The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has acknowledged that amendments to the Environmental Protection Act 1986 have been passed by Parliament.
Describing the reforms as the most significant to the State’s environmental legislation in more than 30 years, the Minister for the Environment, Stephen Dawson said they included the streamlining of the environmental impact assessment process and improvements to the pathway for regulation of native vegetation clearing.
Mr Dawson said the reforms also improved the efficiency of regulating emissions and discharges, modernising and improving investigation and enforcement powers, and increasing penalties for certain environmental offences.
“The Bill will facilitate an approvals bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth that will remove duplication for proposals assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority, including major resources projects,” Mr Dawson said.
“This will reduce timeframes and costs whilst maintaining the highest environmental standards.”
He said the amendments were drawn from reviews and recommendations by expert advisory groups to deliver a modern Act simplifying and reducing unnecessary regulatory obligations on industry, while maintaining strong environmental protection and standards.
“By improving regulatory processes, the amendments will support investment, employment and business creation, and ensure Western Australia’s environmental values remain protected,” Mr Dawson said.
“It helps ensure protection for our precious environment through efficient environmental legislation working to support a sustainable economy.”
He said this was particularly important as part of the State’s recovery response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
