Development application and water FAQs

What is a Development Application (DA)?

A Development Application (DA) is a formal application submitted to local council for permission to carry out new building work, renovations, dams (above 5ML or with a dam wall height greater than 3m), land subdivision or a change in land use. Not all works require development approval, you may need to check with council regarding any exemptions.

This information has been prepared to assist applicants specifically with submitting Development Applications for dams above 5ML in capacity or with a dam wall height exceeding 3m.

Who approves a Development Application?

On Kangaroo Island, the Kangaroo Island Council is generally the assessment authority on any Development Application. If the development is deemed to be a ‘major development’ then the State Planning Commission takes on the role of the assessment authority.  

What is a referral body?

A referral body is a specialist government agency or other authority that provides mandatory advice or direction on aspects of a development that fall outside the local council’s (or State Planning Commissions’) core expertise or legislative powers to approve. These bodies may include but are not limited to;

• The relevant Landscape Board (On Kangaroo Island that is the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board)
• Environmental Protection Authority
• Department for Environment and Water
• Native Vegetation Council
• Country Fire Service
• Department for Transport and Infrastructure
• Coast Protection Board

The Kangaroo Island Landscape Board has the power of direction in respect to developments related to a dam or a commercial forestry or activities that are otherwise specified by the Planning and Design Code as development of a class to which a referral applies.

How do I lodge a Development Application?

A Development Application can be lodged via the online PlanSA portal. First, you must create an online account where you can manage and track your application as it progresses. If you are unable to lodge your application online, please contact Kangaroo Island Council for further assistance.

What do I need to include on my Development Application?

The relevant authority (Council or State Planning Commission) requires specific information to assess a Development Application.

Referral bodies (including the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board) also require information specific to their assessment.

If the relevant authority or referral bodies require further information that has not been submitted as a part of the initial Development Application, they will lodge a Request for Information (RFI) on the PlanSA portal. This RFI will outline any information, reports or plans required. Assessment of the Development Application cannot proceed until this requested information has been submitted by the applicant through the PlanSA portal.

Information that may be required for dam applications includes, but is not limited to:

• A detailed site plan(s) drawn to scale, including appropriate bar and ratio scales, and shows;
  • The precise location of the proposed dam(s) in relation to property boundaries, and the setback distances from boundaries.
  • Natural land contours of the subject land referenced to a Temporary Bench Mark (TBM) level or Australian Height Datum (AHD).
  • Existing and proposed ground levels (including levy banks/batters) referenced to a TBM level or AHD.
  • The size dimensions of the proposed dam(s), including information relating to spillway design and freeboard.
  • The size dimensions of additional infrastructure such as a low flow bypass device, pumping station, pipes, contour banks, drainage lines or graded catchment.
• Information relating to the purpose of the dams i.e. for stock use or irrigation, and whether it is proposed to capture surface water runoff.
• A section plan(s) showing the size and depth of the proposed dam(s) in relation to the natural/existing levels (referenced to a TBM level or AHD).
• Risk and mitigation measures relating to water quality, salinity, waterlogging, flooding, soil erosion, bank destabilisation, fish passage (where applicable) or impact on water dependent ecosystems. The detail required will be dependent on the scale of works and proposed location.
• Any information relating to native vegetation clearance required as a part of the development application.

How can the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board help me this process?

It is recommended that applicants discuss proposed dam works and other water affecting activities with the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board Water Officer before lodging a Development Application. This will help ensure that the proposed works in your application are consistent with the Water Affecting Activity Control Policy and allows the Development Application to be assessed by the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board in a timely manner.

The Kangaroo Island Landscape Board can provide:

• Property maps containing information such as drainage lines, 1m contours, existing dams and their volumes, and watercourses.
• Advice on property water takes limits and availability
• Information on potential low flow bypass requirements
• Best placement for dams or water diversion infrastructure
• Information on ways to improve whole property water security
• Advice on how to minimise environmental impacts and erosion risk.