New South Wales Consolidated Regulations

MURRAY REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN NO 2--RIVERINE LAND - REG 14

14 Building setbacks--special provisions

(1) Application This clause deals with matters which are to be taken into consideration when--

(a) a consent authority determines a development application, or

(b) a public authority or person proposes to carry out development for which development consent is not required but which has the potential to adversely affect the riverine environment of the River Murray.

(2) Building setback All buildings outside land zoned for urban purposes under a local environmental plan should be set well back from the bank of the River Murray. The only exceptions are buildings dependent on a location adjacent to the River Murray.

(3) Objectives of building setback The objectives of siting buildings away from the River Murray are to--

• maintain and improve water quality,

• minimise hazard risk and the redistributive effect on floodwater associated with the erection of buildings on the floodplain,

• protect the scenic landscape of the riverine corridor,

• improve bank stability, and

• conserve wildlife habitat.

(4) Matters to be considered When determining the location of a building in relation to the River Murray, in addition to the planning principles the following specific matters should also be considered--

(a)

(i) it is generally unsuitable to locate septic tanks--

• on flood liable land,

• where the watertable is within 2 metres of the surface,

• in close proximity to a sensitive natural environment,

• if seasonably low evapotranspiration is common, or

• on soils of low permeability,

(ii) septic tanks should only be installed on suitable (ie permeable) soils with absorption areas located as far as possible from the River Murray or other drainage lines,

(iii) in circumstances where septic tanks are unsuitable, package sewage treatment plants or humus closet (dry toilet) systems should be preferred,

(iv) excess stormwater should, where possible, be disposed of on-site away from any septic absorption area.

(b) The visual impact of buildings in the riverine landscape can be lessened by the planting of a variety of appropriate vegetation species. This practice has other advantages in stabilising unstable or eroding banks and providing both habitat for wildlife and a trap for silt, nutrients and other substances which may otherwise enter the river and lead to a deterioration of water quality.