Severe penalties for unauthorised levy banks

NSW Water Commissioner David Harris has warned landholders that they face severe penalties for the construction of unauthorised banks and levies. Mr. Harris said while he understands the landholders need to protect crops, property and stock the construction of such levies may impact on neighbouring properties and those downstream by redirecting flood waters.

Mr. Harris said that the approval of levies and banks requires hydraulic assessment and this is not a process that can be done overnight, particularly on the western NSW floodplains.

Penalties for offences associated with these type of works range from $1.1 million and $132,00 for each day the offence continues to $247,500 and $66,000 for individuals.

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