Andrew Cripps
No special permits will be required to clean up flooded waterways, the State Government assured landholders today.
Natural Resources Minister Andrew Cripps said the Water Act 2000 contained special arrangements for landholders and local authorities to quickly clean up flooded creeks and rivers.
“Removing fallen vegetation and debris from watercourses is an important part of getting life back to normal in a timely manner after a natural disaster,” Mr Cripps said.
“Landowners can remove debris such as dead tree branches and trunks, or objects such as building materials without a permit or referring to Department of Natural Resources and Mines guidelines.
“Landowners also won’t need a permit to clear or remove silt around infrastructure including pumps, weirs and dams.
“If landowners need to clear existing vegetation such as trees to gain access to a watercourse I urge them to seek advice from their local DNRM office to check if their plans require approval, but in most cases, exemptions will apply for such activities so we can get the job done.”
Mr Cripps said a considerable amount of debris may have entered many watercourses and removing it would be necessary to restore flow and prevent future flood damage.
“Removing debris could also help to restore road crossings, remove silt from around pumps and weirs, and redistribute excess sediment,” he said.
“It is important to remember that work to remove debris should be done to minimise potential future impacts on the watercourse, which will reduce threats to adjacent properties.
“If debris needs to be removed from the watercourse, it should be disposed of outside the outer banks of the watercourse.
“However, in some areas smaller woody debris is often best left in the watercourse as it can help stabilise the stream bed and banks.
“As part of the recovery program from this flood event, officers from my Department are ready to provide support and advice to landowners, councils, River Trusts and businesses about works impacting on water courses.”
Further information is available on the Department of Natural Resources and Mines website.
