Practice Note No. 15 - Water Safety - Division of Local Government ...
Practice Note No. 15 - Water Safety - Division of Local Government ...
Practice Note No. 15 - Water Safety - Division of Local Government ...
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
2. WHAT IS THE LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY BASIS OF COUNCILS’ WATERSAFETY FUNCTION?Under the <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Government</strong> Act 1993 local councils have the power to:Øprovide facilities appropriate to the current and future needs <strong>of</strong> the local community and the widerpublic (section 24)Ømanage public land (Part 2, Chapter 6). Public land is defined as land vested in or under the control <strong>of</strong>the council (with certain exclusions)Ø control various activities (Part 2, Chapter 16)The <strong>Practice</strong> <strong><strong>No</strong>te</strong> has been prepared in the context <strong>of</strong> the NSW <strong>Government</strong>’s NSW Coastal Policy (1997)and the Sydney Regional Coastal Management Strategy (1998).The NSW Coastal Policy aims to guide management, planning and conservation <strong>of</strong> the NSW coastal zone.It recognises the important role local councils play in this area. One <strong>of</strong> the Policy goals which is especiallyrelevant to water safety is to provide for appropriate public access and use. This includes the followingobjectives:To increase public access to foreshores when feasible and environmentally sustainable options areavailable.To ensure risks to human safety from the use <strong>of</strong> coastal resources is minimised.<strong>Practice</strong> <strong><strong>No</strong>te</strong> <strong>15</strong>: <strong>Water</strong> <strong>Safety</strong>The Sydney Regional Coastal Management Strategy supplements the NSW Coastal Policy by aiming toguide coastal planning, management and conservation activities in the coastal zone between Pittwater andSutherland local government areas. One <strong>of</strong> the Strategy’s guiding principles which is particularly relevantto water safety is:Controlled public access to the coast, including beach, foreshore and marine areas, should be maintainedfor recreation, tourism and other public activities. The extent, location and type <strong>of</strong> access may need tobe controlled to mitigate adverse effects <strong>of</strong> this access, to resolve incompatible uses, to conserve andmaintain ecological integrity, or in the interest <strong>of</strong> public safety.This <strong>Practice</strong> <strong><strong>No</strong>te</strong> should also be read in conjunction with the following Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Government</strong>guidelines:Ø Competitive Tendering Guidelines, January 19972