Permits and approvals

Due to the heritage significance of the Harbour Trust’s lands, prior written approval is required for all works including building fitouts and repairs, landscaping, signage installation, changes of use and major events. In most cases, the Harbour Trust is the Approval Authority for proposed works; however, the Minister for the Environment may assume this role in exceptional circumstances. Planning approval from Council or the NSW Government is not required for works or activities on Harbour Trust land.

Information about permissible works and land uses are found in our Strategic Plans. Planning applications are examined for consistency with our Strategic Plans, the Objects of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act 2001 and how environmental and heritage values that are protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 will be conserved or enhanced.

Prior to undertaking any works or commencing any activities, review the documents below, including the information sheets and Schedule of Fees, and complete a planning application form. For further information about planning applications, call (02) 8969 2100 or email info@harbourtrust.gov.au.

Information sheets

• Introduction to the Assessment Process
• The Planning Assessment Process (workflow)
• Matters to be considered in the Planning Assessment Process 
• Consideration of Heritage Values
• What is a Planning Statement?
• Protecting Archaeological Relics
• Tenancy Signage – Middle Head
• Tenancy Signage – Other Sites
• Fitout of retail and commercial buildings
• Fitout of food and beverage outlets
• Closed Circuit Television

Application forms

• Application for a Planning Permit
• Advisory notes to the Application Form

Schedule of fees

• Proposed Action Application – Schedule of Fees

The Harbour Trust is the authority responsible for ensuring food businesses operate safely and hygienically on Harbour Trust land. The documents below provide information about how to apply to operate a food business, and the Harbour Trust's processes for enforcing compliance with the ANZ Food Standards Code, the NSW Food Act 2003 and NSW Food Regulation 2015.

• Food Businesses – Application and Enforcement Processes
• Food Businesses – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• NSW Food Authority Information Sheets

The Harbour Trust is the authority responsible for issuing permits for the sale or supply of alcohol on our land, and we are committed to ensuring that Responsible Service of Alcohol principles are followed at all times.

The documents below provide information about how to apply for a liquor permit, and the Harbour Trust’s processes for enforcing compliance with licence conditions and Responsible Service of Alcohol principles.

Note: The Harbour Trust uses the term "liquor permit" to avoid confusion between area licences issued by the Harbour Trust, and liquor licences issued by other Australian jurisdictions.

• Liquor Permit Application Form
• Liquor Permit - Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals or organisations seeking to use Harbour Trust land for an activity that is commercial in nature must apply for a Commercial Activity Permit and secure the approval of the Harbour Trust.

Further information

The Harbour Trust offers ultra-low, low-impact and student filming and photography permits to shoot on Harbour Trust land. Our land is also available for wedding photography, media shoots, and medium to high impact filming and photography, including feature films, TV series, commercial and fashion shoots.

Further information

For information about hiring one of the Harbour Trust’s venues for an event or wedding ceremony, see: Venues

For information about applying for a lease with the Harbour Trust, including our leasing policy, see: Lease

The Harbour Trust is an agency within the Commonwealth Department of Environment portfolio. A range of work on our lands is undertaken by individuals and organisations that have been successful in submitting Australian Government tenders.

Details of any key projects likely to be tendered this year will be compiled in AusTender’s Annual Procurement Plan List. For more information about our current tenders and expressions of interest, visit the AusTender website.