Roads Act 1993 (New South Wales) — Zoe

New South Wales act

Roads Act 1993

In ForceNSW

Jurisdiction

New South Wales

Act Number

33 of 1993

Collection

act

Plain English Summary

7/10 complexity

What this law does, in plain terms

Mechanically, the Roads Act 1993 sets out who controls public roads in New South Wales, how public roads are created, altered, closed, sold, leased or dedicated, and what permissions and penalties apply to activities on those roads. It: establishes roads authorities and their functions (s 7, s 145); defines public rights of passage and owners’ right of access from adjoining land (s 5–6); sets processes for dedication, surveying, boundary-fixing, widening and level-fixing (s 9–31); provides procedures to close or sell roads and to handle temporary roads/subdivisions (s 33–44, s 152A–152G); regulates consents and permits for works, street vending, events and use of roadspace (s 138–146, s 139A–139F, s 144); creates enforcement powers, evidence rules, cost-recovery and penalties including specific toll‑camera rules (s 237–251); and includes specialised rules for light rail and other modern infrastructure (s 144A–144E) and an optional tollway ombudsman scheme (s 261A).

Stated purpose and how the Act carries it out

The Act’s stated objects (s 3) are to define the public right of passage, adjoining owners’ access, procedures for opening/closing roads, road classification, designation of roads authorities, distribution of road‑related functions (notably road work), and regulation of activities on public roads. The text implements those objects by assigning responsibilities to particular decision‑makers (Minister, Transport for NSW (TfNSW), councils and other declared authorities) and by setting procedural steps for actions that affect road status, boundaries, levels, access and use (for example, notices, publication in the Gazette or local papers, and minimum submission periods—see s 19, s 22, s 29, s 35, s 38B, s 152D).

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What it does

The Roads Act 1993 (NSW) establishes a comprehensive statutory framework for the creation, management, alteration, and closure of public roads across New South Wales. At its core, the Act codifies public rights of passage and access while distributing administrative responsibilities among roads authorities, primarily Transport for NSW (TfNSW) for classified roads and local councils for unclassified roads within their areas (s 7).

Part 1 sets out preliminary matters, including objects (s 3) that explicitly balance public passage rights, adjoining landowners' access, road opening/closing procedures, road classification, authority declarations, function distribution, and regulation of road activities. Sections 5 and 6 enshrine the "as of right" entitlements to pass along public roads (extended to light rail by s 5(1A)) and access from adjoining land, while subordinating these to restrictions under this or other Acts (e.g. road transport legislation under the Road Transport Act 2013 or s 5.43 of the Crown Land Management Act 2016).

Part 2 governs road opening through multiple methods: registration of subdivision plans with dedication statements (s 9), gazettal notices by TfNSW or councils for their land (s 10), ministerial or gubernatorial proclamations for Crown or public authority land (ss 11–13), and automatic incorporation of acquired widening land (s 14). Division 2 resolves historical doubts for pre-1907 or pre-1920 subdivisions via council gazettal (s 16), subject to Land and Environment Court declarations (s 17). These provisions ensure roads are dedicated only through formal, transparent processes, with the Crown not bound by the exclusivity rule in s 8(2).

Part 3 addresses boundaries and levels. Division 1 permits surveys to identify boundaries (s 18), followed by public notice, submissions, and registration with the Registrar-General (ss 19–21), extinguishing compensation claims. Division 2 regulates widening via plans, ministerial approval (with TfNSW recommendation for classified roads under s 24(2)), and gazettal orders (s 25), imposing construction bans (s 26, 10 penalty units) and linking to hardship acquisition under the (s 28). Division 3 allows level fixing or variation after notice and submissions (ss 29–31), with restoration or compensation duties for access loss (s 32), and TfNSW's overriding functions (s 32A).

Current sections

Direct links to the current provisions in Roads Act 1993.

334

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Concentrated benefits and revenue: roads authorities can impose rent‑style payments for vending or leases/airspace deals (s 139A, s 139D, s 149). These generate income for the authority (or council) but require internal approval processes and, for non‑TfNSW authorities, approval by the Secretary (s 149(2)).
Diffuse costs fall on neighbouring landowners and the public through changed access or road closures. The Act builds compensatory mechanics for particular cases (e.g. loss of access from level variation—s 32; road widening treated for hardship under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991—s 28) but other actions (e.g. road boundary surveys) may be effected without compensation (s 21).
Administrative burden and delay: repeated procedural requirements to publish notices, call submissions and lodge plans (s 19, s 22, s 29, s 35, s 152D) create predictable timelines and administrative cost to applicants, roads authorities and councils.
Enforcement and cost recovery are strong: authorised officers may issue directions (s 237), and the roads authority can take action and recover costs as a debt (s 238, s 246). Penalties for non‑compliance range from modest penalty units for some contraventions (e.g. s 138, s 137) to substantial penalties or imprisonment for serious disruption of major bridges (s 144G).
Evidence presumption for toll cameras and certificates (s 250A, s 248) lowers enforcement cost for toll operators/authorities but requires preservation of inspection records and authorised‑person certificates; misuse of camera data is criminalised (s 250A(4), penalty 50 penalty units).
Interaction with courts and appeal rights: the Land & Environment Court plays a role where formal objections or statutory appeals are lodged (s 17, s 38C–38F). Certain decisions or reports are final within administrative channels (e.g. Secretary inquiries under s 260), which may reduce administrative appeals but can raise stakes for those who want judicial review.

Who it affects

The Act's reach is broad. Members of the public (s 5) hold passage rights along public roads (foot, vehicle, stock, light rail), subject to road transport or Crown land restrictions. Adjoining landowners (s 6) enjoy access rights, preserved from common law but regulated. Road users face traffic controls (Part 8), tolls (ss 213–216, 250A), and offences for obstructions (s 107), unauthorised works (s 138), or bridge/tunnel interference (s 144G, up to 2 years imprisonment).

Property owners near roads must support them (s 91), fill excavations (s 93), remove sand (s 95), alter fences (s 96), maintain structures (s 142, 30 penalty units), or face hazard directions (ss 103–104, appealable under s 105). Street vendors require approvals (s 125, max 7/12 months, safety termination). Public gate holders (s 128) maintain gates/notices (s 129, 10 penalty units) and by-passes (s 133).

Businesses and utilities need consents for works (s 138), conduit location (s 85, s 97), or railway maintenance (s 100). Private railway owners retain rights despite TfNSW works (s 144F). Food/drink operators use roadspace under s 125 approvals.

Roads authorities (s 7: TfNSW for freeways, Minister for Crown roads, councils/regulations for others) bear core duties: opening/closing (Parts 2/4), boundary/level fixing (Part 3), work (Part 6), protection (Part 7), classification (Part 5), records (s 163), and enforcement (Part 14). TfNSW holds primacy for classified roads (ss 61, 64, 72–76), light rail (ss 144B–144E), and development land (s 161). Councils handle local roads, with consultation (ss 57–60) and contributions (ss 209–210, 217–219, 220–222).

Government agencies (notifiable authorities under s 32B: electricity/gas networks, planning/industry secretaries, TfNSW, Sydney Metro, transit authorities, fire/rural fire services) receive closure notices (s 38B) and can object (s 38C). The Land and Environment Court adjudicates appeals (ss 17, 38C, 38F, 105). Valuer-General determines compensation (s 194). Registrar-General registers plans/orders (ss 9, 21, 25).

Developers/subdividers dedicate via plans (s 9) or face temporary road reversion (s 40). Acquirers under Part 12 pay compensation (ss 190–196, native title adjustments under s 194A). Toll operators (s 213, including NSW Motorways) levy charges, comply with ombudsman (s 261A), and face IPART scrutiny (s 261B).

Heavy vehicle operators engage route assessments (s 223(2A)), trials (s 223A), and excess weight permits (s 72, cross-referenced). Emergency services are exempt from traffic rules (s 123).

Indigenous groups may claim native title compensation (ss 181–202). The Crown is bound (s 262) but holds immunities (s 8(2), s 146) and vests in freeways/Crown roads (s 145).

Overall, the Act distributes burdens and benefits across public, private, and governmental actors to sustain a functional road network.

Key duties and rights

Rights are foundational. Section 5(1) grants the public an "as of right" entitlement to pass along public roads (foot, vehicle, otherwise, stock), extended to light rail (s 5(1A)) and preserved alongside common law (s 5(2)), though subject to road transport or Crown land limits (s 5(3)). Adjoining owners hold access rights (s 6(1)), similarly preserved (s 6(2)). These are not derogated but regulated.

Classification rights (Part 5) allow ministerial orders (on TfNSW recommendation, s 54) declaring main roads (s 46), highways (s 47), freeways (s 48, vesting in TfNSW), controlled access (s 49), secondary (s 50), tourist (s 51), tollways (s 52, ceasing public road status, non-application to Road Transport Act 2013 per regulations), transitways (s 52A), and State works (s 53). Differential classification by segment/level is permitted (s 55), with status preserved on realignment (s 56).

Access to compensation is key. Loss from level fixing (s 32), freeway access restriction (s 68, market value differential per s 69, 12-month claim limit), widening orders (s 28 linking to Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 hardship), drainage/support works (ss 92, 94), or private applications (ss 190–196, 194A for native title "just terms") triggers payment. No compensation for pre-1907 dedications (s 16(4)), boundary surveys (s 21(4)), or certain closures.

Procedural rights include submissions on boundaries (s 20), widening (s 23), levels (s 30), closures (ss 36, 38C), works (s 80), and private applications (s 186), with Land and Environment Court appeals (ss 17, 38C, 38F, 105, 188). Public gate holders access permits (s 128); event organisers obtain permits (s 144).

Duties fall heavily on roads authorities. They must survey boundaries if unclear (s 18), notify/submit on proposals (ss 19, 22, 29), decide after submissions (ss 21, 24, 31), register plans (s 21(2)), restore access post-level changes (s 32(1)), and compensate loss (s 32(2)). For closures, they notify notifiable authorities (s 38B), handle objections (s 38C), and manage vesting/disposal (ss 38E, 42–45). Maintenance includes traffic control (s 87), tree lopping (s 88), and restoration after excavations (s 101). Support duties apply via Conveyancing Act 1919 s 177 (s 91).

Individuals must not construct on widening land (s 26), build unauthorised structures/works (s 138, 10 penalty units), obstruct (s 107), damage gates (s 132), or interfere with surveys (s 241). Owners contribute to kerbing (s 217), repair crossings (s 218), maintain structures (s 142), and face liability for vehicle damage (s 102). Toll road customers pay (ss 213–216); operators manage schemes (s 261A).

Utilities locate in conduits (s 97), consult on crossings (s 85), and private bodies maintain works (s 99). Railway owners repair bridges/crossings (s 100). TfNSW exercises overriding functions (ss 32A, 61, 64–66, 72–77), with immunities (s 65).

Native title holders receive just compensation (s 194A), with negotiation rights (s 191A). Courts determine compensation (s 193) or appeals (s 105).

These duties/rights are conditional: e.g. classified road consents require TfNSW concurrence (ss 24(2), 27(2), 138(2)); Crown roads follow Crown Land Management Act 2016 (ss 7(2), 42, 152A–152J).

Penalties and enforcement

Penalties are tiered. Minor offences attract 10 penalty units: constructing on widening land (s 26(1)), unauthorised access construction to freeways (s 70), public gate offences (ss 129, 130, 132(1)–(2), 133, 136, 137), works without consent (s 138(1)), and survey interference (s 241). Maintenance failures carry 30 penalty units (s 142(1)). Traffic regulation breaches reach 10–30 penalty units (ss 115(4), 122(4)). Crown road non-compliance incurs 100/200 penalty units plus daily continuing penalties (ss 108(4), 110(6)). Major bridge/tunnel disruption carries 200 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment (s 144G(1)).

Owner liability for driving offences (s 244) imposes deemed guilt for toll or prescribed offences, rebuttable by stolen vehicle proof or nomination (within 21/90 days per Fines Act 1996 ss 23AA–23AB). Directors are liable for corporate contraventions if knowingly authorising (s 245). Continuing offences under directions attract daily penalties (s 242A).

Enforcement mechanisms are multifaceted. Authorised officers (s 251) demand information (s 229, 30 penalty units), enter/inspect (ss 164–174, warrants per Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002), and issue penalty notices (s 243, Fines Act 1996). Roads authorities issue directions (s 237, oral in emergencies), effect them at cost (s 238, recoverable as debt per s 247), rectify breaches (s 246), and recover contributions/damages (ss 217–219, 220–222, 226, 101(5), 102).

Court roles are central. Land and Environment Court hears boundary dedication appeals (s 17), closure objections/appeals (ss 38C, 38F), hazard directions (s 105), contract variations (s 106), compensation claims (s 193), and private application interest appeals (s 188). Local Court handles summary prosecutions (s 242). Ministerial/ TfNSW review (ss 119, 260) and Premier dispute resolution (s 261) provide administrative layers.

Toll enforcement uses approved cameras (s 250A), with certificates as prima facie evidence of images, timestamps, locations, and accuracy (if inspected within 30 days or prescribed period). Ombudsman determinations bind operators (s 261A(6), penalties). IPART reports inform regulation (s 261B).

Immunities protect tar damage if closed/covered (s 89), pre-1986 bridges (s 84), and good-faith acts (s 256). No compensation for certain historical or boundary actions (ss 16(4), 21(4)).

This regime emphasises compliance through notices, cost recovery, and graduated sanctions, with judicial oversight for fairness.

How it interacts with other laws

The Act is expressly integrative. Section 3 objects reference distribution of functions and regulation alongside other laws. Rights in ss 5–6 are "subject to" this Act, road transport legislation (Road Transport Act 2013), and Crown Land Management Act 2016 s 5.43 (s 5(3)).

Cross-references are pervasive. Road classifications interact with Road Transport Act 2013 (ss 52(3), 52A(2)–(3), 87). Acquisition uses Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 (ss 28, 177–180, 190–202, 204–206), with hardship linkage (s 28) and native title adjustments (ss 181–202, incorporating Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) via ss 181A, 191A, 194A). Planning overlays via Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (ss 139(c1), 144C for State significant infrastructure).

Crown roads are subordinate to Crown Land Management Act 2016 (ss 7(2), 32B note, 42, 152A–152J), with cultivation easements/licences preserved (s 152A(2)). Local government interfaces with Local Government Act 1993 (ss 43(2), 159(2)) for land classification post-closure.

Utility/rail provisions cross Electricity Supply Act 1995, Gas Supply Act 1996, Transport Administration Act 1988 (rail infrastructure, light rail definitions in ss 144A–144E), and Pipelines Act 1967 (s 138(5) exclusion). Traffic control applies Road Transport Act 2013 definitions (s 87). Heavy vehicles link to Heavy Vehicle National Law (NSW) (ss 223(2A), 223A, 225).

Compensation draws on Conveyancing Act 1919 s 177 (s 91), Stamp Duties Act 1920 (repealed, s 40(5)), Duties Act 1997 (s 196(2)), and Unclaimed Money Act 1995 (s 195(3)). Enforcement uses Fines Act 1996 (ss 243, 244(4)–(5A)), Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (s 174), and Commercial Arbitration Act 2010 (s 226(2)).

Light rail prevails (s 144E), as do specific Acts for private railways (s 144F). Public Works Act 1912 ss 34–37 are disapplied (s 90), but mineral provisions apply (s 180).

Amendments integrate updates: 2011 TfNSW substitutions, 2017 Crown road divisions, 2020 food premises reforms, 2022 s 144G expansions, 2024 toll ombudsman/IPART (Part 15A).

This web ensures roads law operates within planning, transport, land, environmental, and native title contexts, avoiding silos.

Recent changes and why

The Act has evolved via targeted amendments to address modern needs. The 2011 Transport Legislation Amendment Act (No 41) substituted "TfNSW" for "RTA" throughout (e.g. ss 3, 7, 10, 24, 26–27, 32A, 48, 52–54, 57–66, 68–70, 72–77, 87, 91, 104, 138, 144, 158–161, 177, 207–212, 215–216, 220–222, 224–225, 228, 260), reflecting institutional restructuring for integrated transport. This aligned with broader governance changes, centralising classified road functions.

The 2017 Crown Land Legislation Amendment Act (No 17) inserted Division 1 of Part 4 (s 32B definitions, notifiable authorities for electricity, gas, planning, industry, TfNSW, Sydney Metro, transit, fire services), Division 3 for council road closures (ss 38A–38F: non-essentiality criteria, notifications, objections, court appeals), and Division 4 of Part 7 (ss 108–110: Crown road repair/maintenance/contributions by benefiting users, 100/200 penalty units). It amended vesting (ss 38, 42, 145, 152A–152J), repealed obsolete ss 111–113, and updated references. These changes responded to fragmented Crown road management, enhancing procedural fairness, stakeholder consultation, and cost recovery for low-use roads, while integrating with the new Crown Land Management Act 2016.

The 2020 Liquor Amendment (24-hour Economy) Act (No 40) substituted Division 1 of Part 9 (ss 125–127), expanding approvals for food/drink premises road use (up to 7 years footways/12 months other, rent conditions, safety termination), authorising structures (s 126), and granting nuisance immunity (s 127). This supported night-time economy activation, balancing public space with health/safety, post-consultation.

The 2022 Roads and Crimes Legislation Amendment Act (No 7) expanded s 144G to prohibit damage/disruption/obstruction of major bridges/tunnels/roads (200 penalty units/2 years), added defences for workplaces, industrial action, and parliament (subsections (4A)–(5A)), and inserted s 144H for a 2-year review. This addressed protest-related disruptions (e.g. Sydney Harbour Bridge), strengthening enforcement while protecting legitimate activities.

The 2024 Transport Legislation Amendment Act (No 95) updated toll provisions (s 52, 213–216), inserted Part 15A (s 261A ombudsman scheme for disputes, binding determinations, contributions; s 261B IPART investigations on costs, demand, pricing, impacts), and amended definitions. These responded to tolling controversies, enhancing oversight, consumer protection, and transparency in a maturing toll road network.

Changes reflect shifts from 1993's core infrastructure focus to integrated transport, economic activation, public order, and accountability.

Court challenges and controversies

The Act channels disputes to the Land and Environment Court, avoiding general civil litigation. Key mechanisms include: declarations against pre-1907 dedications (s 17(3), "such decision as it thinks fit"); formal objection appeals for council closures (s 38C(3)–(5), affirm/set aside per public interest); closure decision appeals by notified persons (s 38F, affirm/set aside, s 38E deemed never applied if set aside); hazard direction appeals (s 105, confirm/quash/vary, final); contract variation for affected parties (s 106, cancel/suspend/vary/repay, final); and private application interest appeals (s 188, declare interest, consent compensation).

Compensation claims go to the Court if agreement fails (s 193), or Valuer-General if owners unknown (s 194). Native title negotiations must consider non-monetary requests in good faith (s 191A).

No specific judicial decisions are cited in the text, but provisions imply controversies over access loss (ss 32, 68–69), closure necessity (s 38A criteria, s 38C objections), boundary identification (ss 18–21, no compensation per s 21(4)), and widening constraints (ss 22–28, construction bans). Light rail non-obstruction (s 144B) and prevailing effect (s 144E) suggest potential planning conflicts. Toll camera evidence (s 250A) raises accuracy/reliability issues, rebuttable only by specialised knowledge (s 250A(7)).

Ombudsman determinations (s 261A(6)) and IPART reports (s 261B) may spark judicial review if exceeding powers. Historical quarter sessions roads (cl 63) or pre-1986 bridges (s 84) could generate nuisance claims, though barred.

Controversies likely centre on compensation adequacy (market value under s 69, just terms per s 194A), procedural fairness in notices/submissions (28/42/56-day periods), and balancing development vs access (e.g. s 26 construction bans, s 70 prohibitions). The 2022 s 144G expansions and review (s 144H) reflect protest controversies. Overall, the Act minimises litigation via administrative appeals while providing court safeguards.

Gotchas

Most practitioners miss that "public road" status persists for certain functions even after closure if vested in councils without construction history (s 38E(2)(a)), affecting Local Government Act 1993 operational/community land classification (s 43(2)). Crown road repair directions (s 108) target "benefiting" users on low-public-use roads, with severe continuing penalties (200/100 penalty units + daily), recoverable via authorised entry (s 109)—a potent, under-used tool for remote access tracks.

Notifiable authorities for council closures (s 32B: electricity/gas networks, secretaries, TfNSW, Sydney Metro, transit, fire services, prescribed) can formally object (s 38C(2)), blocking closure until withdrawal or Land and Environment Court override on public interest (s 38C(5)). This creates veto-like leverage, often overlooked in project planning.

Section 144G's broad "damage, disruption or obstruction" (including closure/redirect per s 144G(2)) captures protest activity on prescribed major infrastructure, with reversed onus on reasonable excuse (s 144G(4)) but carve-outs for workplaces, industrial action, and parliament (subsections (4A)–(5A), (5A)). The 2-year review (s 144H) is a subscription "watch this space."

Native title private applications (ss 181–202) require registered native title body corporate/claimant notification (s 184(2)(b)–(c)), good-faith non-monetary negotiations (s 191A), and "just terms" top-ups (s 194A)—traps for unaware proponents. Light rail provisions (ss 144B–144E) centralise TfNSW consent, prevailing over roads authorities (s 144E), with development approvals bypassing standard consents (s 144C(2)).

Short-term unused road leases (s 153) cap at 5/10 years (s 157(1)), prohibit permanent structures without consent (s 157(2)), and require pre-lease public notice (ss 154–156)—easy compliance slip. Toll camera certificates (s 250A(3)) are prima facie on inspection/accuracy, rebuttable only by specialised evidence (s 250A(7)), shifting burden in penalty proceedings.

IPART's toll investigations (s 261B) on pricing impacts/communities can inform ministerial action, while ombudsman contributions (s 261A(7)–(10)) are mandatory—overlooked compliance costs. Finally, s 146(1)(f) preserves "adjoining lands" status for Just Terms compensation despite road vesting—critical in partial acquisitions.

How to comply

Roads authorities (councils/TfNSW/Minister): Maintain records (s 163), classify/consult (Part 5, ss 57–60), follow exact notice/submission/registration sequences for boundaries (ss 18–21, 28 days), widening (ss 22–27, TfNSW recommendation for classified), levels (ss 29–31), opening (Part 2, gazettal/plans), and closure (Part 4: notifiable authorities, 28-day submissions, objection handling, gazettal). For works, notify TfNSW on classified roads (ss 75–76), obtain consents (s 138(2)), consult utilities (s 85), and exercise entry/inspection powers lawfully (Part 11, notices/warrants). Enforce via directions (s 237), cost recovery (s 238), and penalty notices (s 243). Contribute to/accept TfNSW assistance (ss 207–212, 220–222). For Crown roads, direct repairs/contributions from beneficiaries (ss 108–110). Comply with ombudsman (s 261A) and facilitate IPART (s 261B).

Individuals/owners: Obtain consents before works, digging, structures, or connections (s 138, concurrence for classified), maintain them (s 142), support roads (s 91), avoid obstructions (s 107), and comply with directions (s 239, 30/10 penalty units). For access loss, claim compensation timely (12 months per s 68(3)). Nominate drivers for owner liability (s 244, 21/90 days). Pay tolls or face camera enforcement (s 250A). Secure approvals for food/drink use (s 125), public gates (s 128), events (s 144), or excess weight (s 72). In private applications, lodge claims (s 186), negotiate compensation (ss 189–192), or appeal to Court (s 188).

Developers: Dedicate via registered plans (s 9) or ministerial notices (ss 10–13). For widening/acquisition, observe construction bans (s 26), claim compensation (Part 12). Consult on levels/boundaries (ss 19, 22, 29). For light rail, avoid obstruction (s 144B).

Toll operators: Levy per regulations (ss 213–216), maintain cameras (s 250A inspections), comply with ombudsman determinations (s 261A(6)), pay contributions (s 261A(7)–(10)), and respond to IPART investigations (s 261B). Report substantial breaches.

All parties: Use written notices (s 237(1)), allow 28/42/56-day submission/claim periods, document submissions (ss 20, 23, 30, 36, 80, 117, 186), and appeal promptly (14/28 days per ss 105, 188). For native title, notify bodies/claimants (s 184(2)), negotiate non-monetary options (s 191A). Retain records for certificates (s 248). Seek TfNSW concurrence where required (multiple sections). Monitor amendments (noted throughout) and regulations (s 264, e.g. toll amounts, penalty offences, heavy vehicle trials per s 223A).

Compliance minimises penalties, secures compensation, and avoids court override. Engage early with authorities, document all steps, and integrate with linked Acts (planning, transport, Crown land). For complex projects, use s 260 Secretary inquiries or s 261 Ministerial resolution.