Temporary coastal protection works
The Coastal Protection Act 1979 allows certain landowners an opportunity to temporarily reduce coastal erosion threats to their homes by placing sand or sandbags as temporary protection works. The temporary works can reduce the erosion threats to houses from minor storm events while landowners identify more permanent solutions and consider seeking approval for permanent works.
These emergency coastal protection works must be placed in accordance with the requirements of Part 4C of the Coastal Protection Act, the Code of Practice (121009copcoast.pdf; 205 KB) and any council coastal erosion emergency action subplan. These requirements include:
The works only being placed at authorised locations listed in the Code of Practice
Obtaining a certificate valid for two years from the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) or local council prior to placing the works
For any works placed on public land - the works being placed and removed within 12 months or longer if a development application is lodged for longer term or alternate temporary coastal protection works.
To obtain a certificate to place emergency works from OEH, complete the application form (AppformTCPW.pdf; 47 KB) and send with the $110 application fee to:
Manager Urban and Coastal Water Programs
Office of Environment and Heritage
PO Box A290
Sydney South NSW 1232
Page last updated: 07 June 2013
