Agencies managing the marine estate

Four NSW government agencies have key responsibilities for managing the marine estate and providing advice to the NSW Government. All four agencies are members of the Marine Estate Management Authority.

These four agencies have a wide range of responsibilities but those that relate specifically to the marine estate include:

Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW)

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is responsible for fisheries and aquaculture management, conservation of biodiversity and protection of threatened species for fish and aquatic vegetation management of marine protected areas and aquatic reserves, joint oversight of marine protected areas with DCCEEW, biosecurity, marine estate research, fisheries compliance, marine estate communications and community engagement, and working with landholders to protect and rehabilitate waterways.

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)

Environment and Heritage (EHG) is responsible for conservation of biodiversity at bioregional and State scales; conservation of biodiversity and protection of threatened species for marine mammals, birds, and reptiles; joint oversight of marine protected areas with DPI; management, and operation of the national park system; protecting and managing estuaries.

Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI)

Planning is responsible for the state's land use planning system and delivering state significant developments and infrastructure.

Transport for NSW is responsible for strategic maritime policy, including safety, sustainability, access and infrastructure matters as well as maritime safety regulation and on-water compliance activities.

Related agencies and local government also have marine estate responsibilities and these include:

Department of Regional NSW

Local Land Services work with landholders to help protect and rehabilitate waterways, wetlands and riverbank vegetation.

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

DCCEEW Water is responsible for surface and groundwater management including ensuring water security for NSW.

Natural Resources Access Regulator is an independent and transparent water regulator with responsibility for the compliance and enforcement of water laws in NSW.

NSW Environment Protection Authority partners with business, government and the community to reduce pollution and waste, protect human health, and prevent degradation of the environment.

Heritage NSW protects and manages Aboriginal cultural heritage and maritime heritage.

Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Crown Land is responsible for managing Crown land within the NSW marine estate, this includes the bed of many of the state’s waterways and estuaries, public foreshores and beach reserves.

Local councils along the NSW coast have a key role in planning, delivering a range of services to coastal communities, and developing and implementing Coastal Management Programs.