This page explains how to lodge a permit application for works, acts and activities in the Swan Canning development control area (DCA).
More information on the DCA, including how to find out if your property is affected by the DCA, is available on the Swan Canning development control area page.
Permits allow works, acts or activities to be assessed, authorised, managed and monitored to ensure the protection and long-term enjoyment of the Swan and Canning rivers.
Permit application process
Non-commercial works and activities permit
Anyone wishing to undertake any of the following works, acts or activities in the DCA may require a permit:
- signage
- repairs and maintenance
- emergency works
- erosion control
- temporary structures (i.e. will be in place for less than six months)
- works by a leaseholder valued at less than $500,000, for example minor building upgrades within the lease area
- works by a Schedule 5 Authority (such as the local government) valued at less than $5,000,000, for example carpark resurfacing, installation of a toilet block
- fire hazard reduction
- aircraft activity
- maintenance dredging
- scientific studies
- bank disturbance
- riverbed disturbance
- taking worms or other invertebrates
- removing or trimming trees or other vegetation
- spectator events in the River reserve that are not in the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure’s Aquatic Events Calendar
Download non-commercial permit forms
Commercial activities permit
All commercial activities in the DCA require a permit from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
Anyone wishing to undertake a commercial activity within the DCA requires an approval.
Some examples of commercial activities that require approval include:
- charters and tours
- adventure activities
- hire and drive vessels
- instruction/lessons
- firework displays
- food vending
The DCA includes the waters of the Swan and Canning rivers and adjoining parks and recreation reserves, including privately owned land reserved for parks and recreation.
More information on the DCA, including how to find out if your property is affected by the DCA, is available on the Swan Canning Development Control Area page.
Where development of infrastructure is required on land or water to support the commercial operation (for example construction of a ticket booth), a Part 5 development approval may also be required. See the Making an application for development page for more information.
Swan Canning commercial activities handbook
We have recently developed a Swan Canning commercial activities handbook as a reference and guide for commercial operators who have received a commercial activities permit or those who are looking to apply.
Inside the handbook you will find:
- guidance on how to read and understand a commercial activities permit
- background information and a map to help you navigate the Swan Canning Riverpark
- safety information for commercial operators in the Swan Canning Riverpark
- a list of all general conditions used on Commercial Activities Permits
- a copy of the Commercial Charter Vessel Code of Conduct (charter vessel activities should be conducted in accordance with this Code)
- other additional information and reference material that supports the general conditions of a commercial activities permit
New applicants are encouraged to read through the handbook to get an understanding of what to expect, including conditions you will be required to adhere to, when operating in the Swan Canning Riverpark.
We also welcome any feedback you may have on the handbook. Please let us know if the information has been useful or any changes or additions you’d like to see in future. Please send any feedback via email to rivers.planning@dbca.wa.gov.au with the subject: Feedback: Swan Canning commercial activities handbook.
Download commercial permit forms
FAQ
How to apply
Complete the permit application (available for download above) and submit your application to rivers.planning@dbca.wa.gov.au.
Before you apply, it’s recommended that you review DBCA’s policies, plans and guidelines as your application will be assessed against these to ensure it is consistent with their objectives.
Please note that DBCA may require modifications to your proposal to address environmental or amenity factors, community values, shared use, and safety.
Please contact us if you would like assistance with your application or would like to discuss your proposal further. We can also help let you know which policies would be most relevant to the assessment of your proposal.
How long does it take to assess a permit application?
Permit approvals cover a wide range of works, acts or activities, and so processing times vary depending on the application.
Permit applications for minor works, such as like-for-like repairs and maintenance, can be processed within 28 days (often sooner) once all relevant information has been received.
Permit applications for more complex proposals may require referrals to other agencies, such as the local government as the land manager, or to other government agencies for technical advice (see the Frequently asked questions section for a list of government agencies that DBCA refers applications to). Agencies have 21 days to provide a response to DBCA.
You may also require approval from other government or local government agencies, depending on what you are proposing.
Renewing an existing permit approval
To renew an existing permit approval, either complete and submit the Form 8 Commercial activities permit application (available for download below) or email rivers.planning@dbca.wa.gov.au for non-commercial permits.
Renewals are generally processed much faster than new applications.
Renewals must be completed prior to expiry of the current permit. Please allow time to process the renewal before the existing permit expires. Penalties may apply for works, activities and operations in the DCA without an approval.
Penalties and infringements
Anyone who undertakes works, acts or activities within the DCA without a permit may be issued an infringement notice and fined $5,000.
The following activities are generally not permitted within the DCA and can incur a fine of $5,000:
- leaving a vessel unattended for eight hours or more outside of a vessel storage facility
- launching a vessel directly from a trailer into the river (vessels must be launched from a designated boat ramp)
- using a vessel as accommodation
- using a courtesy mooring for more than four hours in a six-hour period
- using a courtesy mooring for a vessel larger than what is permitted on the courtesy mooring sign
- littering
If you have any questions in relation to the above, please contact us at rivers.planning@dbca.wa.gov.au.
