Dams

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​​​​​​​​Generally all dams, including levees and weirs, are regulated in Tasmania under the Water Management Act 1999 and the Water Management (Safety of Dams) Regulations 2025.

NRE Tas Water Management and Assessment Branch can provide advice on how to obtain a 'Permit to Undertake Dam Works' which is required to contruct, remove or modify a dam under the Water Management Act and Regulations.

If a member of the public wishes to report a dam safety incident that threatens life or property and it is considered an emergency call 000 and ask for the Police. Tasmania Police coordinate Dam Emergency responses.

In this topic

  • Dam Safety Incidents & Emergencies
    This page describes the emergency procedures for dam-safety incidents as managed by the NRE Tas: when there is immediate risk to life, property, significant economic or environmental harm from a dam failure, malfunction or unplanned release.
  • Dam Safety
    The Water Management Act 1999 ('the Act') and the Water Management (Safety of Dams) Regulations 2025 ('the Regulations') ensure owners of existing dams meet their dam safety responsibilities.
  • State Dam Safety Emergency Plan
    Outlines NRE Tas role in dam safety emergency management within statewide emergency management scenarios.
  • Building a Farm Dam
    A new streamlined, risk-based approach for the approval of farm dam construction has been developed by the Tasmanian Government
  • Dam Maintenance and Repairs
    To ensure dams remain in a safe and working condition, regular dam monitoring is recommended.
  • Dam Works Assessment Decision Framework
    The Dam Works Assessment Decision Framework (the Framework) sets out the parameters for dam works assessment in Tasmania.
  • Dam Works Codes
    Codes pertaining to Dam Works.

​Contact a Regional Water Management Officer


Phone: 1300 368 550 - request to be put through to the Water Operations Branch.


For Dams Works application forms see Water Management Forms.
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Dam scene
Photo: Lynn Broos