The Directorate has recently coordinated a submission to the NSW Government’s Statutory Review of the Dams Safety Act 2015, highlighting the financial and operational impacts of the legislation on local councils.

Prepared in collaboration with the Water Directorate and informed by feedback from council asset managers and engineers, the submission raises concerns about the cost shifting associated with the new Dams Safety NSW levy, which commenced on 1 July 2025. It also outlines how compliance costs are prompting some councils to reduce the scale of proposed or existing dams, potentially increasing community risk and reducing service levels.

The submission calls for clearer cost attribution, greater transparency, and a more equitable funding model that reflects the public safety role of council-owned dams. It reinforces the Institute’s commitment to advocating for sustainable infrastructure management and fair regulatory frameworks for local government.

If you’d like to contact the Directorate in relation to this submission, please email rtd@ipweansw.org