{"id":"tas:sr-2025-056","name":"Water Management (Safety of Dams) Regulations 2025","slug":"water-management-safety-of-dams-regulations-2025","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"tas","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"56 of 2025","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":174401,"registerId":"tas-sr-2025-056-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"# Part 1 Preliminary","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Short title","content":"### 1 Short title\n\n> These regulations may be cited as the [Water Management (Safety of Dams) Regulations 2025](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2025-056) .","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"### 2 Commencement\n\n> These regulations take effect on 23 December 2025.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interpretation","content":"### 3 Interpretation\n\n> > (1)  In these regulations –\n> > \n> > > ***Act*** means the [Water Management Act 1999](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045) ;\n> > \n> > > ***ANCOLD*** means the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD) Inc.(ABN: 52 627 050 014);\n> > \n> > > ***ANCOLD guidelines*** means guidelines issued by ANCOLD;\n> > \n> > > ***authorised safety reviewer*** means a person declared under [regulation 8](#GS8@EN) to be an authorised safety reviewer for the purposes of these regulations;\n> > \n> > > ***Class 1 competence*** see [regulation 4](#GS4@EN) ;\n> > \n> > > ***Class 2 competence*** see [regulation 5](#GS5@EN) ;\n> > \n> > > ***Class 3 competence*** see [regulation 6](#GS6@EN) ;\n> > \n> > > ***Engineers Australia*** means The Institution of Engineers Australia - National Office (ABN 63 020 415 510);\n> > \n> > > ***expert team***, in respect of an activity, means a team of persons which meets the requirements referred to in [regulation 7](#GS7@EN) for that activity;\n> > \n> > > ***NOC report*** means a notice of completion report containing details of –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) actual site conditions and features encountered during construction of the dam and the works associated with the construction of the dam; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) construction procedures used in the construction of the dam and the construction of the works associated with the construction of the dam; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (c) details, including drawings, of the dam as constructed and the works, associated with the construction of the dam, as constructed;\n> > \n> > > ***relevant overseas engineering or science qualification***, in relation to a person, means a qualification held by the person that is –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) awarded by an overseas tertiary-level institution at the successful completion of a course, or program, requiring the equivalent of at least 4 years of full-time study; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) recognised by Engineers Australia as equivalent to a Bachelor of Engineering, or a Bachelor of Science, awarded by an Australian university;\n> > \n> > > ***relevant overseas engineering qualification***, in relation to a person, means a qualification held by the person that is –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) awarded by an overseas tertiary-level institution at the successful completion of a course, or program, requiring the equivalent of at least 4 years of full-time study; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) recognised by Engineers Australia as equivalent to a Bachelor of Engineering awarded by an Australian university;\n> > \n> > > ***specialist aspect of technology*** means –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) electrical engineering; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) environmental engineering; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (c) geotechnical engineering; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (d) hydrological engineering; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (e) mechanical engineering; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (f) another field of engineering;\n> > \n> > > ***tailings dam*** means a structure or embankment that is built to manage water associated with tailings storage, or to retain tailings, and includes the contents of the structure or embankment;\n> > \n> > > ***top of the dam*** means the uppermost part of the dam excluding any settlement camber, or structures such as parapets and guard-rails, that are not part of the main water-retaining structure.\n> \n> > (2)  Unless the contrary intention appears, an expression used in these regulations has the same meaning as it has in [Part 8A](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#HP8A@EN) of the Act.\n> \n> > (3)  For the purposes of these regulations, a dam, or tailings dam, is of a consequence category specified in a table to these regulations if the dam is, under the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on the Consequence Categories for Dams* (October 2012), as amended or substituted from time to time, within the consequence category of the same name.\n> \n> > (4)  For the purposes of these regulations, the height of a dam is the greater of the following:\n> > \n> > > > (a) the height from the natural bed of the stream at the downstream edge of the dam wall to the top of the dam;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the height from the lowest elevation of the outside limit of the dam to the top of the dam.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Categories of Competence and Authorisation","content":"# Part 2 Categories of Competence and Authorisation","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Class 1 competence","content":"### 4 Class 1 competence\n\n> A person has Class 1 competence in respect of an activity, specified in Column 1 of a table to any subregulation in [regulations 13](#GS13@EN) and [14](#GS14@EN) , that is carried out in relation to a dam to which the subregulation applies, if the person –\n> \n> > > (a) holds –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) a Bachelor of Engineering degree awarded by an Australian university at the successful completion of a course, or program, requiring the equivalent of at least 4 years of full-time study; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) a relevant overseas engineering qualification; and\n> > \n> > > (b) is eligible to become a member of Engineers Australia in the occupational category of Professional Engineer; and\n> > \n> > > (c) has at least 3 years' experience undertaking investigation, design, construction and day-to-day safety management of dams, where the experience is appropriate for the height and type of a dam to which the relevant subregulation applies.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Class 2 competence","content":"### 5 Class 2 competence\n\n> > (1)  A person has Class 2 competence in respect of an activity, specified in Column 1 of a table to any subregulation in [regulations 13](#GS13@EN) and [14](#GS14@EN) , that is carried out in relation to a dam to which the subregulation applies, if the person –\n> > \n> > > > (a) holds –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) a Bachelor degree, the core subjects of which are concerned with science or natural resource management; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) an Advanced Diploma of Civil Engineering; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iii) an Advanced Diploma, the core subjects of which are concerned with science or natural resource management; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iv) an equivalent degree or Advanced Diploma –\n> > > \n> > > awarded by an Australian university; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) holds a relevant overseas engineering or science qualification –\n> > \n> > and has at least 3 years' experience undertaking investigation, design, construction and day-to-day safety management of dams, where the experience is appropriate for the height and type of a dam to which the relevant subregulation applies.\n> \n> > (2)  A person also has Class 2 competence in respect of an activity, specified in Column 1 of a table to any subregulation in [regulations 13](#GS13@EN) and [14](#GS14@EN) , that is carried out in relation to a dam to which the subregulation applies, if the person –\n> > \n> > > > (a) holds –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) a Bachelor of Engineering degree awarded by an Australian university at the successful completion of a course, or program, requiring the equivalent of at least 4 years of full-time study; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) a relevant overseas engineering qualification; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is eligible to become a graduate member of Engineers Australia in its Civil College; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) has at least 3 years' experience undertaking investigation, design, construction and day-to-day safety management of dams, where the experience is appropriate for the height and type of a dam to which the relevant subregulation applies.","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Class 3 competence","content":"### 6 Class 3 competence\n\n> A person has Class 3 competence in respect of an activity, specified in Column 1 of a table to any subregulation in [regulations 13](#GS13@EN) and [14](#GS14@EN) , that is carried out in relation to a dam to which the subregulation applies, if the person  –\n> \n> > > (a) holds –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) a Bachelor of Engineering, or a Bachelor of Science, degree awarded by an Australian university at the successful completion of a course, or program, requiring the equivalent of at least 4 years of full-time study; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) a relevant overseas engineering or science qualification; and\n> > \n> > > (b) has at least 3 years' experience in a specialist aspect of technology appropriate to the height and type of a dam to which the relevant subregulation applies.","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Expert team","content":"### 7 Expert team\n\n> A team of persons is an expert team in respect of an activity, specified in Column 1 of a table to any subregulation in [regulations 13](#GS13@EN) and [14](#GS14@EN) , that is carried out in relation to a dam to which that subregulation applies, if –\n> \n> > > (a) the team consists of at least 3 persons, of whom at least one has Class 1 competence in respect of the activity; and\n> > \n> > > (b) the team contains persons with professional expertise such that for each of the following areas, in so far as they relate to that dam and activity, there is at least one person in the team with professional expertise in the area:\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) construction practices;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) dam design;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (iii) engineering geology;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (iv) engineering surveying;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (v) evaluation of properties of materials;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (vi) hydraulics;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (vii) hydrology;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (viii) instrumentation;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ix) mechanical design;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (x) soil and rock mechanics;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (xi) structural design.","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Authorised safety reviewers","content":"### 8 Authorised safety reviewers\n\n> For the purposes of undertaking an internal review of existing dams, the Minister may, by instrument in writing, declare an authorised officer to be an authorised safety reviewer for the purposes of these regulations.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed competencies","content":"### 9 Prescribed competencies\n\n> For the purposes of [section 165H(1A)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165H@Gs1A@EN) of the Act, Class 1 competence, Class 2 competence, Class 3 competence, expert team and authorised safety reviewer are prescribed competencies.","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"Part 3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Design, Construction, Maintenance, &c., of Dams","content":"# Part 3 Design, Construction, Maintenance, &c., of Dams","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"section","heading":"Guidelines and information to be followed by persons constructing, &c., dams","content":"### 10 Guidelines and information to be followed by persons constructing, &c., dams\n\n> > (1)  A person undertaking an activity for the purposes of, or in connection with –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the design, construction, surveillance, operation or decommissioning of a dam or tailings dam; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) planning for an emergency in respect of a dam or tailings dam –\n> > \n> > must carry out that activity in accordance with the guidelines, as amended or substituted from time to time, specified in [Schedule 1](#JS1@EN) , for that activity.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding 20 penalty units for each day during which the offence continues; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a natural person, a fine not exceeding 200 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding 20 penalty units for each day during which the offence continues.\n> \n> > (2)  The Department is to ensure that a copy of each of the guidelines that is required under [subregulation (1)](#GS10@Gs1@EN) to be complied with is available for inspection, electronically or otherwise, by members of the public, without charge and during normal office hours.","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"section","heading":"Activities to be performed in relation to certain dams","content":"### 11 Activities to be performed in relation to certain dams\n\n> > (1)  An activity specified in Column 1 of the following table, in relation to a dam that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is less than 10 metres high; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is of a consequence category specified in Column 2 of the table –\n> > \n> > must be performed as indicated opposite the activity and below the consequence category.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a natural person, a fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.\n> > > > \n> > > > |  | Column 1 |  |  | Column 2 |  |  |  |  |\n> > > > |  | Activity |  |  | Consequence Category |  |  |  |  |\n> > > > |  |  | Very Low | Low | Significant | High C | High B | High A | Extreme |\n> > > > | 1. | Design plans and specifications | Not required | Not required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 2. | Pre-construction investigation, design and report | Not required | Not required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 3. | Supervision of construction and decommissioning | Not required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 4. | NOC report | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 5. | Dam safety emergency plans where there is the potential for loss of life in the event of dam failure | Not required | Not required | Not required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 6. | Comprehensive surveillance inspections and reports | Not required | Not required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 7. | Consequence category assessment and review | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 8. | Dam incident investigation and report | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> \n> > (2)  An activity specified in Column 1 of the following table, in relation to a dam that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is 10 metres or more high but not more than 25 metres high; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is of a consequence category specified in Column 2 of the table –\n> > \n> > must be performed as indicated opposite the activity and below the consequence category.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a natural person, a fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.\n> > > > \n> > > > |  | Column 1 |  |  | Column 2 |  |  |  |  |\n> > > > |  | Activity |  |  | Consequence Category |  |  |  |  |\n> > > > |  |  | Very Low | Low | Significant | High C | High B | High A | Extreme |\n> > > > | 1. | Design plans and specifications | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 2. | Pre-construction investigation, design and report | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 3. | Supervision of construction and decommissioning | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 4. | NOC report | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 5. | Dam safety emergency plans where there is the potential for loss of life in the event of dam failure | Not required | Not required | Not required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 6. | Comprehensive surveillance inspections and reports | Not required | Not required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 7. | Consequence category assessment and review | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 8. | Dam incident investigation and report | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> \n> > (3)  An activity specified in Column 1 of the following table, in relation to a dam that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is more than 25 metres high; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is of a consequence category specified in Column 2 of the table –\n> > \n> > must be performed as indicated opposite the activity and below the consequence category.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a natural person, a fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.\n> > > > \n> > > > |  | Column 1 |  |  | Column 2 |  |  |  |  |\n> > > > |  | Activity |  |  | Consequence Category |  |  |  |  |\n> > > > |  |  | Very Low | Low | Significant | High C | High B | High A | Extreme |\n> > > > | 1. | Design plans and specifications | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 2. | Pre-construction investigation, design and report | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 3. | Supervision of construction and decommissioning | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 4. | NOC report | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 5. | Dam safety emergency plans where there is the potential for loss of life in the event of dam failure | Not required | Not required | Not required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 6. | Comprehensive surveillance inspections and reports | Not required | Not required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 7. | Consequence category assessment and review | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |\n> > > > | 8. | Dam incident investigation and report | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"12","sectionType":"section","heading":"Activities to be performed in relation to tailings dams","content":"### 12 Activities to be performed in relation to tailings dams\n\n> > (1)  In this regulation –\n> > \n> > > ***raise***, in relation to a tailings dam, means to raise the wall of the dam to increase the available volume of both water and tailings storage.\n> \n> > (2)  An activity specified in Column 1 of the following table, in relation to a tailings dam that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is constructed by means of an ongoing operation (known as continual lift); and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) uses tailings as the primary embankment material; and \n> > > \n> > > > (c) is of a consequence category specified in Column 2 of the following table –\n> > \n> > must be performed as indicated opposite the activity and below the consequence category.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a natural person, a fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.\n> > > > \n> > > > |  | Column 1 |  |  | Column 2 |  |  |  |  |\n> > > > |  | Activity |  |  | Consequence Category |  |  |  |  |\n> > > > |  |  | Very Low | Low | Significant | High C | High B | High A | Extreme |\n> > > > | 1. | Geotechnical and earthquake engineering investigations | Not required | Not required | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise |\n> > > > | 2. | Design plans and specifications | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise |\n> > > > | 3. | Pre-construction investigation, design and report | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise |\n> > > > | 4. | Spillway and decant design | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise |\n> > > > | 5. | Dam safety emergency plans | Not required | Not required | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise |\n> > > > | 6. | Supervision of construction and decommissioning | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise |\n> > > > | 7. | NOC report | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise |\n> > > > | 8. | Intermediate surveillance inspection and report | Required when specified by an authorised safety reviewer | Required when specified by an authorised safety reviewer | Required every year | Required every year | Required every year | Required every year | Required every year |\n> > > > | 9. | Comprehensive surveillance inspections and reports | Not required | Not required | Required every 5 years | Required every 2 years | Required every 2 years | Required every 2 years | Required every 2 years |\n> > > > | 10. | Consequence category assessment and review | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise |\n> > > > | 11. | External (third party) review | Not required | Not required | Not required | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise | Required every raise |","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Required competence for certain dams","content":"### 13 Required competence for certain dams\n\n> > (1)  A person must not carry out, in relation to a dam that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is less than 10 metres high; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is of a consequence category specified in Column 2 of the following table –\n> > \n> > an activity specified in Column 1 of the table, unless the person has one of the classes of competence specified, in Column 2 of the table, opposite the activity and below the consequence category.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a natural person, a fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.\n> > > > \n> > > > |  | Column 1 |  |  | Column 2 |  |  |  |  |\n> > > > |  | Activity |  |  | Consequence Category |  |  |  |  |\n> > > > |  |  | Very Low | Low | Significant | High C | High B | High A | Extreme |\n> > > > | 1. | Design plans and specifications | No specific class of competence required | No specific class of competence required | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 2. | Pre-construction investigation, design and report | No specific class of competence required | No specific class of competence required | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 3. | Supervision of construction and decommissioning | No specific class of competence required | Class 2 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 4. | NOC report | No specific clas of competence required | Class 2 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 5. | Dam safety emergency plans & operation and maintenance manuals | No specific class of competence required | No specific class of competence required | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 6. | Intermediate surveillance inspections and reports | No specific class of competence required | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence |\n> > > > | 7. | Comprehensive surveillance inspections and reports | No specific class of competence required | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 1 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 8. | Consequence category assessment and review | Class 2 competence or authorised safety reviewer | Class 2 competence or authorised safety reviewer | Class 2 competence | Class 1 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 9. | Dam incident investigation and report | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> \n> > (2)  A person must not carry out, in relation to a dam that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is 10 metres or more high but not more than 25 metres high; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is of a consequence category specified in Column 2 of the following table –\n> > \n> > an activity specified in Column 1 of the table, unless the person has one of the classes of competence specified, in Column 2 of the table, opposite the activity and below the consequence category.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a natural person, a fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.\n> > > > \n> > > > |  | Column 1 |  |  | Column 2 |  |  |  |  |\n> > > > |  | Activity |  |  | Consequence Category |  |  |  |  |\n> > > > |  |  | Very Low | Low | Significant | High C | High B | High A | Extreme |\n> > > > | 1. | Design plans and specifications | Class 2 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 2. | Pre-construction investigation, design and report | Class 2 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 3. | Supervision of construction and decommissioning | Class 2 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 4. | NOC report | Class 2 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 5. | Dam safety emergency plans & operation and maintenance manuals | No specific class of competence required | No specific class of competence required | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 6. | Intermediate surveillance inspections and reports | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence |\n> > > > | 7. | Comprehensive surveillance inspections and reports | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 8. | Consequence category assessment and review | Class 2 competence or authorised safety reviewer | Class 2 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 9. | Dam incident investigation and report | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> \n> > (3)  A person must not carry out, in relation to a dam that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is more than 25 metres high; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is of a consequence category specified in Column 2 of the following table –\n> > \n> > an activity specified in Column 1 of the table, unless the person has one of the classes of competence specified, in Column 2 of the table, opposite the activity and below the consequence category.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a natural person, a fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.\n> > > > \n> > > > |  | Column 1 |  |  | Column 2 |  |  |  |  |\n> > > > |  | Activity |  |  | Consequence Category |  |  |  |  |\n> > > > |  |  | Very Low | Low | Significant | High C | High B | High A | Extreme |\n> > > > | 1. | Design plans and specifications | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 2. | Pre-construction investigation, design and report | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 3. | Supervision of construction and decommissioning | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 4. | NOC report | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 5. | Dam safety emergency plans & operation and maintenance manuals | No specific class of competence required | No specific class of competence required | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 6. | Intermediate surveillance inspections and reports | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence |\n> > > > | 7. | Comprehensive surveillance inspections and reports | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 8. | Consequence category assessment and review | Class 2 competence or authorised safety reviewer | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > > | 9. | Dam incident investigation and report | Class 2 competence | Class 2 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"14","sectionType":"section","heading":"Required competence for tailings dams","content":"### 14 Required competence for tailings dams\n\n> A person must not carry out, in relation to a tailings dam that –\n> \n> > > (a) is constructed by means of an ongoing operation (known as continual lift); and\n> > \n> > > (b) uses tailings as the primary embankment material; and \n> > \n> > > (c) is of a consequence category specified in Column 2 of the following table –\n> \n> an activity specified in Column 1 of the table, unless the person has one of the classes of competence specified, in Column 2 of the table, opposite the activity and below the consequence category.\n> \n> Penalty:  In the case of –\n> \n> > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units; or\n> > \n> > > (b) a natural person, a fine not exceeding 200 penalty units.\n> > > \n> > > |  | Column 1 |  |  | Column 2 |  |  |  |  |\n> > > |  | Activity |  |  | Consequence Category |  |  |  |  |\n> > > |  |  | Very Low | Low | Significant | High C | High B | High A | Extreme |\n> > > | 1. | Geotechnical and earthquake engineering investigations | No specific class of competence required | No specific class of competence required | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence |\n> > > | 2. | Design plans and specifications | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence |\n> > > | 3. | Pre-construction investigation, design and report | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > | 4. | Spillway and decant design | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > | 5. | Dam safety emergency plans | No specific class of competence required | No specific class of competence required | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence |\n> > > | 6. | Supervision of construction and decommissioning | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence |\n> > > | 7. | NOC report | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Expert team | Expert team | Expert team |\n> > > | 8. | Intermediate surveillance inspections and reports | No specific class of competence required | No specific class of competence required | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence |\n> > > | 9. | Comprehensive surveillance inspections and reports | No specific class of competence required | Class 1 competence | Class 1 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence |\n> > > | 10. | Consequence category assessment and review | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence |\n> > > | 11. | External (third party) review | No specific class of competence required | No specific class of competence required | No specific class of competence required | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence | Class 1 or Class 3 competence |","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"15","sectionType":"section","heading":"Persons who may perform certain activities","content":"### 15 Persons who may perform certain activities\n\n> > (1)  In this regulation –\n> > \n> > > ***requirement*** means a requirement or condition specified in a permit, notice, direction or authorisation given under or in accordance with [section 164](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS164@EN) , [164A](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS164A@EN) , [165F](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165F@EN) , [165H](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165H@EN) , [165J](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165J@EN) , [165L](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165L@EN) , [165M](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165M@EN) , [165N](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165N@EN) or [165P](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165P@EN) of the Act.\n> \n> > (2)  Subject to [subregulation (3)](#GS15@Gs3@EN) , if an activity in relation to a dam is –\n> > \n> > > > (a) required to be undertaken –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) as a condition of a permit under [section 164](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS164@EN) or [164A](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS164A@EN) of the Act; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) as a term or condition imposed under [section 165F(2)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165F@Gs2@EN) of the Act; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iii) by a notice under [section 165H](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165H@EN) , [165N](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165N@EN) or [165P](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165P@EN) of the Act; or\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iv) by a direction under [section 165L](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165L@EN) of the Act; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) authorised under [section 165J](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165J@EN) or [165M](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165M@EN) of the Act –\n> > \n> > a person must not undertake the activity in relation to the dam unless the person is a member of a class of persons who may carry out the activity in relation to the dam under [regulation 13](#GS13@EN) or [14](#GS14@EN) .\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a natural person, a fine not exceeding 200 penalty units\n> \n> > (3)  A requirement may specify that an activity in relation to a dam is to be carried out by a person, or persons, who are members of a class of persons who have a higher class of competence than the class of persons who may carry out the activity under [regulation 13](#GS13@EN) or [14](#GS14@EN) .\n> \n> > (4)  A person who –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is a member of a class of persons that is specified under [subregulation (3)](#GS15@Gs3@EN) in a requirement in relation to a dam; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) carries out an activity to which the requirement relates –\n> > \n> > is taken to comply with [regulation 13](#GS13@EN) or [14](#GS14@EN) in respect of the carrying out of the activity in relation to the dam.","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"Part 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Miscellaneous","content":"# Part 4 Miscellaneous","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"16","sectionType":"section","heading":"Operation and maintenance manuals","content":"### 16 Operation and maintenance manuals\n\n> For the purposes of [section 165K(2)(b)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS165K@Gs2@Hpb@EN) of the Act, an operation and maintenance manual is to comply substantially with section 4.4 of the *Guidelines on Dam Safety Management* published in 2003 by ANCOLD, as amended from time to time.","sortOrder":19},{"sectionNumber":"17","sectionType":"section","heading":"Fees, allowances and compensation","content":"### 17 Fees, allowances and compensation\n\n> > (1)  The fee that may be payable to the Crown, by the owner of a dam or proposed dam, for the assessment of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the following reports:\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) a design report;\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) a construction report;\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iii) a maintenance report;\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iv) a surveillance report;\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (v) a decommissioning report;\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (vi) an NOC report;\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (vii) a consequence category report;\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (viii) an incident report; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a dam safety emergency plan –\n> > \n> > is 60 fee units for each half hour spent assessing the report or plan.\n> \n> > (2)  The following amounts are payable to persons attending or giving evidence at an inquiry or examination referred to in [Part 8A](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#HP8A@EN) of the Act:\n> > \n> > | 1. | For meals, travelling and accommodation: | The same rate and on the same terms as prescribed from time to time for the equivalent allowance in the General Conditions of Service Award made under the Industrial Relations Act 1984 in respect of persons who are State Service officers or State Service employees |\n> > | 2. | For loss of salary, wages or income resulting from a person's attendance at the inquiry or examination, if the person is not an expert witness (for each hour, or part of an hour): | The actual loss incurred, up to a maximum of 2.5% of the seasonally adjusted average weekly earnings of a full-time adult employee in Tasmania as published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for the December quarter for the previous year |\n> > | 3. | For loss of salary, wages or income resulting from a person's attendance at the inquiry or examination, if the person is an expert witness: | The amount that the Minister or other person conducting the inquiry or examination considers just and reasonable in the circumstances |\n> \n> > (3)  Compensation is not payable to a person who does not incur an actual loss of salary, wages or income as a result of attending an inquiry or examination.","sortOrder":20},{"sectionNumber":"18","sectionType":"section","heading":"Infringement notice offences","content":"### 18 Infringement notice offences\n\n> The following penalties are prescribed as the penalties for an offence, committed under [regulation 10](#GS10@EN) , [11](#GS11@EN) , [12](#GS12@EN) , [13](#GS13@EN) , [14](#GS14@EN) or [15](#GS15@EN) , in respect of which an infringement notice is served under [section 252](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1999-045#GS252@EN) of the Act:\n> \n> > > (a) in the case of a body corporate –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) for a first offence, 25 penalty units; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) for a subsequent offence within 5 years after the first offence, 50 penalty units;\n> > \n> > > (b) in the case of a natural person –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) for a first offence, 10 penalty units; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) for a subsequent offence within 5 years after the first offence, 20 penalty units.","sortOrder":21},{"sectionNumber":"19","sectionType":"section","heading":"Expiry of regulations","content":"### 19 Expiry of regulations\n\n> These regulations cease to have effect 12 months after the day on which they take effect.","sortOrder":22},{"sectionNumber":"SCHEDULE 1 - Guidelines and In","sectionType":"part","heading":"SCHEDULE 1 - Guidelines and Information","content":"# SCHEDULE 1 - Guidelines and In SCHEDULE 1 - Guidelines and Information\n\n[Regulation 10](#GS10@EN)\n\n> **1.**   For the activity of preparing design plans and specifications, the following guidelines are specified:\n> \n> > > (a) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Selection of Acceptable Flood Capacity for Dams (2000)*;\n> > \n> > > (b) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Tailings Dams – Planning, Design, Construction, Operation and Closure (July 2019)*;\n> > \n> > > (c) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines for Design of Dams and Appurtenant Structures for Earthquake (May 2019)*;\n> > \n> > > (d) the *Division 3 Permit Dam Works Code 2015* and the *Division 4 Permit Dam Works Code 2015* both published by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment;\n> > \n> > > (e) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Design Criteria for Concrete Gravity Dams (September 2013)*.\n\n> **2.**   For the activity of preconstruction investigation, design and reporting, the following guidelines are specified:\n> \n> > > (a) *Guidelines for Pre-construction Reports 2015* published by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania;\n> > \n> > > (b) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Selection of Acceptable Flood Capacity for Dams (2000)*;\n> > \n> > > (c) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Tailings Dams – Planning, Design, Construction, Operation and Closure (July 2019)*;\n> > \n> > > (d) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines for Design of Dams and Appurtenant Structures for Earthquake (May 2019)*;\n> > \n> > > (e) the *Division 3 Permit Dam Works Code 2015* and the *Division 4 Permit Dam Works Code 2015* both published by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment;\n> > \n> > > (f) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines for Dam Instrumentation and Monitoring Systems (1983)*;\n> > \n> > > (g) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Risk Assessment (July 2022)*.\n\n> **3.**   For the activity of supervising construction and decommissioning, the *Division 3 Permit Dam Works Code 2015* and the *Division 4 Permit Dam Works Code 2015* both published by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, is specified.\n\n> **4.**   For the activity of preparing a NOC report, the *Guidelines for Notice of Completion Reports for Completed Dam Works (2025)*, published by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, are specified.\n\n> **5.**   For the activity of preparing dam safety emergency plans and operation and maintenance manuals, the following guidelines are specified:\n> \n> > > (a) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Dam Safety Management (2003)*;\n> > \n> > > (b) the *Guidelines for Dam Safety Emergency Plans (March 2023)* published by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania;\n> > \n> > > (c) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines for Dam Instrumentation and Monitoring Systems (1983)*.\n\n> **6.**   For the activity of undertaking intermediate surveillance inspections and reports, the following guidelines are specified:\n> \n> > > (a) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Dam Safety Management (2003)*;\n> > \n> > > (b) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Tailings Dams – Planning, Design, Construction, Operation and Closure (July 2019)*.\n\n> **7.**   For the activity of undertaking comprehensive surveillance inspections and reports, the following guidelines are specified:\n> \n> > > (a) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Dam Safety Management (2003)*;\n> > \n> > > (b) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on the Consequence Categories for Dams (October 2012)*;\n> > \n> > > (c) the *Guidelines for Comprehensive Surveillance Reports (March 2023)*, published by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania;\n> > \n> > > (d) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Tailings Dams – Planning, Design, Construction, Operation and Closure (July 2019)*;\n> > \n> > > (e) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines for Dam Instrumentation and Monitoring Systems (1983)*;\n> > \n> > > (f) the *Guidelines on Undertaking Consequence Category Assessments for Dams (March 2023)*, published by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania.\n\n> **8.**   For the activity of undertaking consequence category assessments, the following guidelines are specified:\n> \n> > > (a) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on the Consequence Categories for Dams (October 2012)*;\n> > \n> > > (b) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Dam Safety Management (2003)*;\n> > \n> > > (c) the *Guidelines on Undertaking Consequence Category Assessments for Dams (March 2023)*, published by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania.\n\n> **9.**   For the activity of undertaking dam incident investigations and reports, the *Guidelines for Undertaking a Dam Incident Investigation (March 2023)*, published by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, are specified.\n\n> **10.**   For the activity of undertaking geotechnical and earthquake engineering investigations, in relation to tailings dams, the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Tailings Dams – Planning, Design, Construction, Operation and Closure (July 2019)* are specified.\n\n> **11.**   For the activity of undertaking spillway and decant design, in relation to tailings dams, the following guidelines are specified:\n> \n> > > (a) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Tailings Dams – Planning, Design, Construction, Operation and Closure (July 2019)*;\n> > \n> > > (b) the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Selection of Acceptable Flood Capacity for Dams (2000)*.\n\n> **12.**   For the activity of undertaking third-party review, in relation to tailings dams, the ANCOLD guidelines entitled *Guidelines on Tailings Dams – Planning, Design, Construction, Operation and Closure (July 2019)* are specified.\n\nDisplayed and numbered in accordance with the *[Rules Publication Act 1953](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1953-050)*.\n\nNotified in the *Gazette* on 19 November 2025\n\nThese regulations are administered in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania.","sortOrder":23}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation appears consistent with its original intent as safety regulations under the Water Management Act 1999. It operationalises Part 8A of that Act by prescribing specific competency requirements and technical standards. The scope remains focused on dam safety management without significant mission creep, though the detailed prescription of qualifications and external guideline incorporation creates substantial regulatory density."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross-referencing between regulations 11-14 and the competence requirements in regulations 4-7","Multiple nested conditional matrices: dam height (3 tiers) × consequence category (7 tiers) × activity type (8-11 categories) = hundreds of possible regulatory combinations","17 defined terms in section 3, many referencing external documents (ANCOLD guidelines) that can be amended over time","Incorporation by reference of numerous external guidelines (Schedule 1 references 12+ separate ANCOLD and departmental documents)","Dual penalty structures distinguishing between body corporate and natural person for every offence provision","Complex qualification pathways with alternative routes to competence (Australian degrees vs overseas equivalents, different membership categories of Engineers Australia)","Regulation 15 creates overlay rules for activities required under 8 different sections of the parent Act, requiring simultaneous compliance with both the Act and these regulations","Tailings dam provisions create parallel but distinct regulatory tracks with different activity requirements and competence standards"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this legislation does:**\n\nThese regulations set out who is legally allowed to do what when building, maintaining, or decommissioning dams and tailings dams (dams that store mining waste mixed with water) in Tasmania. They create a licensing system for dam safety work based on how dangerous a dam failure would be.\n\n**Key points:**\n\n- **Risk-based approach:** Dams are classified into consequence categories from \"Very Low\" to \"Extreme\" based on how much damage they'd cause if they failed. Higher-risk dams face stricter rules.\n- **Three competence classes:** The regulations create three tiers of qualified people:\n  - **Class 1:** Professional engineers with 4-year degrees and 3+ years dam experience\n  - **Class 2:** People with science degrees, advanced diplomas, or engineering degrees with graduate membership\n  - **Class 3:** Specialists in specific engineering fields (geotechnical, hydrological, etc.)\n  - **Expert teams:** Multi-disciplinary teams of at least 3 people for the most critical work\n\n- **Height matters:** Dams under 10 metres, 10-25 metres, and over 25 metres each have different rules. Taller dams require more qualified people.\n\n- **Mandatory activities:** Depending on the dam's size and risk level, owners must carry out specific activities like design plans, safety inspections, emergency planning, and incident reporting.\n\n- **Tailings dams get special treatment:** These mining structures have their own set of rules requiring regular reviews and external third-party checks for high-risk dams.\n\n- **Penalties:** Breaking these rules can result in fines up to 500 penalty units for companies (roughly $85,000+) or 200 penalty units for individuals.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- Dam owners and operators\n- Engineering consultants and construction companies\n- Mining companies with tailings dams\n- Government regulators assessing dam safety reports\n\n**Why it matters:**\nDam failures can kill people and destroy communities downstream. These regulations ensure that people designing and checking dams actually know what they're doing, with stricter requirements for dams where failure would be catastrophic. It prevents unqualified people from signing off on critical safety work."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":8,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"On its face, the instrument operationalises delegated powers under the Water Management Act 1999 (Part 8A) by prescribing competencies, specified activities, required guidelines, fees and penalties (see regs 9, 10, 11–15, 17–18). It does not amend the Act or state that it expands or narrows the Act’s statutory powers; rather it sets rules and administrative discretions within the Act’s existing framework."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple consequence categories combined with three height thresholds create a matrix of different obligations and required competencies (regs 11–14).","Three distinct competence classes plus an ‘expert team’ definition add layered qualification rules and experience requirements (regs 4–7).","Detailed team composition requirements demand coverage of many specialist fields for expert teams (reg 7).","Extensive cross‑references to Part 8A of the Water Management Act 1999 and to several Act sections increase legal interdependence (see regs 3(2), 9, 15).","Mandatory compliance with numerous external technical guidelines (ANCOLD and state guidelines) and schedules imposes substantive technical standards (reg 10; Schedule 1).","Tailings dams have bespoke, recurring requirements (per‑raise obligations, inspection cadences and third‑party review triggers) which are operationally detailed (reg 12; reg 14).","Enforcement and cost mechanisms include civil penalties, an infringement notice regime and a time‑based fee for report assessments (regs 10, 17, 18).","Ministerial discretion to declare authorised safety reviewers creates an administrative gate (reg 8) and the Department must publish guidelines for public inspection (reg 10(2)).","Short statutory lifespan (expiry after 12 months) creates temporal complexity for implementation and transition (reg 19)."],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations set mandatory technical rules for who may design, build, inspect and manage dams and tailings dams by prescribing classes of competence, expert team composition, inspection frequencies and mandatory guidelines. They also set fees for government assessment of reports, penalties for non‑compliance and limited Ministerial powers (for authorised safety reviewers) and require the Department to publish guidance. Owners, engineers, contractors and consultants carry the costs and compliance burden; the Minister and Department retain decision and publication authority."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the available information, the regulations appear to remain focused on their stated purpose of dam safety management in Tasmania. No evidence of scope creep or deviation from the original intent is apparent, though the absence of full substantive text limits a definitive assessment."},"complexity_factors":["Technical engineering and safety standards are inherently complex for non-specialists","Regulations interact with the parent Water Management Act, requiring knowledge of both instruments","Full substantive content was not available for analysis, limiting assessment of true complexity","Dam safety regimes typically involve classification systems, tiered obligations, and specialist terminology","Likely involves multiple agencies and cross-jurisdictional dam safety frameworks (e.g., ANCOLD guidelines)","Score is conservative due to incomplete text — actual complexity may be significantly higher"],"plain_english_summary":"These Tasmanian regulations (under the Water Management Act) establish legal requirements for dam safety—affecting dam owners/operators, water authorities, engineers, and downstream communities. They aim to reduce catastrophic risks from dam failure by requiring measures such as inspections, reporting, construction/maintenance standards, and emergency planning.\n\nNote: the supplied material contained only status/administrative details, not the full substantive rules. Affected parties should consult the complete regulations on the Tasmanian legislation website for specific obligations."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/water-management-safety-of-dams-regulations-2025","history":"/api/acts/water-management-safety-of-dams-regulations-2025/history","analysis":"/api/acts/water-management-safety-of-dams-regulations-2025/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/water-management-safety-of-dams-regulations-2025/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/water-management-safety-of-dams-regulations-2025/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/water-management-safety-of-dams-regulations-2025/documents"}}