Waterways, dams, estuaries, and beaches

Crown land includes many foreshore reserves, beaches below the Mean High Water Mark, and the bed of estuaries and both tidal and non-tidal rivers and lakes. It also includes the seabed up to 3 nautical miles offshore. However, not all waterways are Crown waterways; many man-made lakes and canals are not Crown land.

Determining water boundaries is crucial for managing Crown land. This process involves identifying the limits of tidal and non-tidal waterways to assign responsibility for proper use and protection. Accurate boundary determination helps in managing resources and resolving disputes.

Coastal Crown land encompasses all Crown land in the coastal zone, including most beaches and many headlands, as well as the bed of estuaries and the coastal waters of the state. The Coastal Crown land guidelines provide information to Crown land managers to ensure sustainable use and protection of these areas, supporting public recreation and conservation.

Crown land management sometimes includes maintaining and improving infrastructure such as dams. These projects aim to enhance safety, support local economies, and create green spaces. Proper management of dams ensures water resources are used efficiently and sustainably.