Canal and artificial waterway construction

General information

A canal is any artificial channel or lake connected to tidal water and used for navigational, ornamental and recreational purposes. A canal includes any access channel (which is constructed in tidal water and provides access to the canal from tidal water), any addition to or alteration of any canal, and any system of canals provided in any subdivision of land. Canals are constructed on freehold or leasehold land, usually in association with residential subdivision.

An access channel includes any artificial channel, training wall or associated works constructed in tidal water to provide access to a canal, and any addition to or alteration to the artificial channel, training wall or associated works.

The relevant information materials on this issue are listed below for quick referencing. You can also read the relevant legislation online by visiting the Office of Parliamentary Counsel website.

Guidelines and policies

You are advised to read the guidelines and related government policies on this issue before lodging a formal application for a licence or permit.

The State Coastal Management Plan commenced on 27 February 2002 to provide a Statewide approach to coastal management within Queensland. Regional Coastal Management Plans are included in this framework to cover specific coastal areas in more detail.

Guideline: Assessable development under the Coastal Act
Guideline: Development involving an artificial waterway
Guideline: Reconfiguring a lot in a coastal management district

Pre-design conference service

The EPA offers a 'pre-design conference' service for projects which may include issues requiring a high level of assessment. This service includes meeting with an EPA project manager to discuss all the information requirements to be provided with your application.

For more details, read the Pre-design conference fact sheet.

This service can be initiated by contacting the Ecoaccess Customer Service Unit on 1300 368 326 or by email at eco.access@epa.qld.gov.au or completing a Pre-design conference application form. If a pre-design conference is required to discuss your application in more detail, an EPA officer will contact you directly.

Permits and approvals

The approval(s) required to construct an artificial waterway will depend on the nature and scope of your project. The development assessment process under the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 (Coastal Act) is aligned with the Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA).

To find out how to apply for a licence or permit to carry out the proposed works lawfully you will need to download and read the guidelines and key reference materials.

Forms and fees

Please download an application form or contact the Ecoaccess Customer Service Unit on 1300 368 326 for assistance. You will need to complete parts A and M for this type of work. Details about fees and charges will be included with your application kit.

For an overview download the information sheet on Fees and royalties payable under the Coastal Act and Electronically paying fees to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Last updated: 21 January 2008