Compliance and enforcement

We ensure that activities comply with the Crown Land Management Act 2016 (CLM Act) and the Roads Act 1993. Our plan is to prevent and stop illegal activities that could harm the environment or public enjoyment of Crown land.

We take an active and risk-based approach to compliance and enforcement.

Our compliance activities are based on 4 key principles:

• Education and awareness
• Monitoring
• Auditing
• Compliance investigations.

We monitor the use of Crown land and waterways through inspections, audits, and aerial surveillance. Enforcement actions are taken when required to ensure compliance with the law and to deter illegal activities.

We encourage the public to report any suspicious or illegal activities on Crown land. This can include unauthorised development, dumping of rubbish or toxic and harmful substances, clearing of vegetation, public safety hazards and antisocial behaviour.

Contact us to make a confidential report:

• email [email protected]
• phone 1300 886 235 during business hours.

When reporting an incident, please provide as much information as possible, including:

• the issue or activity
• date and time it occurred
• location (address, lot number, GPS coordinates, description of the site)
• its effect on the environment, public use, and/or health and safety
• names and/or descriptions of the individuals involved
• any photos or videos.

We assess each report based on the degree of risk, prioritising the most serious cases. Response times vary based on the complexity and urgency of the case.

When we investigate reports that someone may have broken laws relating to Crown land, we will:

• assess the harm or impact of the alleged breach or activity
• undertake site inspections
• gather enough evidence to support the appropriate regulatory response
• decide on the appropriate regulatory response, which is aimed at deterring future offending and to reduce any actual or potential harm caused to Crown land by the illegal activity.

Crown Lands’ regulatory priorities determine how it responds to reports of an alleged breach or unlawful activity. This means that Crown Lands will resolve reports alleging unlawful activity to our satisfaction, not necessarily the satisfaction of the person making the report. In cases where Crown Lands does not find enough evidence of unlawful activity, our ability to respond with regulatory action may be limited. Crown Lands may review the report if new information becomes available.

When we investigate a report, authorised officers usually must make one or more site inspections and collect information from relevant parties.

Crown Lands receives reports of alleged unlawful activity across the state. We must deploy our resources efficiently and where there is the greatest need. Because of this, Crown Lands will schedule site inspections for alleged unlawful activities that are not high-risk or time-critical when there is a group of alleged activities nearby. This will influence the time it takes for Crown Lands to complete these investigations.

Neighbours sometimes report disputes about the use of Crown roads or boundary fences. We refrain from intervening in civil matters. These matters are best resolved through Legal Aid NSW and Community Justice Centres.

Storing items such as vehicles, materials, or equipment on Crown land is not permitted. It can obstruct public access, pose safety risks, and spoil the natural beauty of the area. Storing items on public Crown land may result in regulatory action being taken against individuals and/or corporations.

Find out who manages the Crown land near your property and what you need to know as a neighbour. Use the to identify Crown land by lot number or street address.

Any private use of Crown land that adjoins your property is unlawful unless you hold a valid licence or permit. For example, you need a licence or permit to graze animals, construct fencing, disturb vegetation, store items, park vehicles, construct garden beds, place outdoor dining sets, install sheds or garages, put up a clothesline, or install a compost bin or children’s play equipment.

Dumping garden waste on Crown land is illegal and harmful to the environment. Dispose of garden waste in your green organics bin, compost it, or take it to a local waste facility. Directing stormwater runoff onto Crown land is also prohibited and can cause flooding issues.

If you see anyone dumping materials or waste on Crown land, report it via the NSW Environment Protection Authority using RID Online or by phoning 13 15 55.

Clearing vegetation or undertaking works on Crown roads requires approval. Penalties may apply for unlawful works. For more information, see Crown roads.

Installing erosion control measures on waterfront property boundaries may require permits and consent from relevant authorities. If part of the structure is within Crown waterways, landowner consent and a domestic waterfront licence are needed prior to construction.