Codes for self-assessable and assessable development
Self-assessable development
You must carry out self-assessable development of water-related works according to the following codes stated under section 62 of the Water Regulation 2002.
Riparian water access
- Self-assessment code for riparian access works on a watercourse, lake or spring
Code for self-assessable development of works to take water for stock or domestic purposes from a watercourse, lake or spring by the owner/s of the land adjoining the watercourse, lake or spring. Such works are restricted to construction of a pump, spear, well, gallery or gravity diversion.
Operational works
Overland flow
- Code for self-assessable development for taking overland flow water for stock and domestic purposes
- Code for self-assessable development for taking overland flow water using limited capacity works
- Code for self-assessable development for taking overland flow water to satisfy the requirements of an environmental authority or a development permit for carrying out an environmentally relevant activity
Subartesian water
- Code for self-assessable development of bores identified in a water resource plan as self-assessable
This code applies to the development of water bores identified in a water resource plan as self-assessable bores. (Normally bores used for stock or domestic water supplies.) - Code for self-assessable development of replacement bores This code applies to the construction of a replacement subartesian bore to replace an original subartesian bore, if:
- the construction of the replacement bore is identified in a water resource plan or by a regulation as being self-assessable development
- the original bore was previously authorised by a development permit issued under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 or a development permit is taken to exist through the operation of section 1048A of the Water Act 2000 (a ‘deemed development permit’).
Assessable development
The department assesses applications for assessable development (i.e. works that take or interfere with water) against applicable codes and policies and the Water Act 2000. You must have a development permit under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 before you can commence such works.
Overland flow
Other legal requirements
If you are constructing works under these codes, you must also ensure that you comply with any other relevant state and federal laws including, but not limited to:
- Vegetation Management Act 1999 (PDF)* which limits the clearing of native vegetation, and requires that you have any necessary permits before clearing a site to construct new works
- Environmental Protection Act 1994 (PDF)* which obliges you to ensure that your actions do not result in harm to the environment
- Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (PDF)* which obliges you to take all reasonable and practicable measures to ensure any activity you undertake does not harm Aboriginal cultural heritage
- Wild Rivers Act 2005 (PDF)*, which obliges you to consider the effect your activities and the taking of natural resources will have on the natural values of a wild river
- other provisions of the Water Act 2000 (PDF)*
- local government planning schemes.
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Last reviewed 27 January 2012
Last updated 21 July 2011

