Approvals of some sort are always required. Whether this is under the terms of your lease or the EPA, under the Act certain works are exempt and some can be done under the terms of a complying development certificate (CDC). If the works are not defined as exempt or complying development they must be approved as a develeopent consent from either Roads and MAritime (RMS), the Lands Department or the local Council.
Yes. Even if you intend to lodge a development application with RMS or the Lands Dept, you still need permission to lodge from that same authority. The Owner is almost always RMS on Sydney Harbour and elsewhere in NSW is the Lands Dept.
The complexity of the current approvals system means that this is a very difficult question to answer. However, Marine Facilities Australia is the best in field when it comes to maritime design and development with ememplary negotiating skills, a depth of experince that is world class and invaluable relationships with stakeholders.
