Targeting improvements to the existing legislative framework
On 16 April 2020, the Environmental Protection Amendment Bill 2020 (WA) was introduced to the WA Parliament. Although described in its second reading as the most significant reform of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA) (EP WA Act) since its inception, the changes proposed in the Bill reflect a fairly modest reform agenda targeting improvements to the existing legislative framework.
Below is a list of the key things you need to know about the reforms proposed in the bill:
- amendments to Part IV (Environmental Impact Assessment) of the EP WA Act;
- express power for other decision-making processes to be considered by the EPA;
- consideration of cumulative effect of impacts of the proposal will be required;
- cost recovery in relation to the referral, assessment and implementation under Part IV processes to be introduced;
- new provisions for bilateral agreements between the Commonwealth and WA Governments to facilitate a streamlined approvals process for WA-based approvals;
- new 'opt-in' clearing referral process;
- new look to licensing of prescribed premises and 'voluntary' licences;
- part IV referrals would prevent 'related' decisions under Part V; and
- new levy for environmental monitoring programs.
For further details on the changes proposed in the Environmental Protection Amendment Bill 2020 (WA) and their implications please refer to our full article here.