What is the 'safety threshold' with regards to declared dams?
The safety threshold is a benchmark for assessing the level of risk to public safety. A dam owner must promptly notify Dams Safety NSW if a dam's risk rating exceeds the safety threshold. Dams Safety NSW monitors, in particular, dams with a risk rating above the safety threshold to ensure those dam owners take appropriate and timely dam risk reduction measures (including short term measures). Regardless of whether a dam’s risk rating is above or below the safety threshold, dam owners must reduce their dam’s risks So Far As Is Reasonably Practicable (SFAIRP).
If a dam is assessed as being above the safety threshold, it does not mean it is at imminent risk of failure. However, it does mean that Dams Safety NSW will more closely monitor risk reduction actions by dam owners compared to other dams and ensure it is reasonable and practicable to reduce risk.