In alignment with the WA Government’s response to the Independent Review of WA Environmental Approvals Processes and Procedures, the WA Government is progressing legislative reforms to the Environmental Protection (EP) Act.
These reforms remove the previous restriction under s.41(3) and enable Decision Making Authorities (DMAs) to make decisions in parallel to an environment assessment process under Part IV of the EP Act (a Part IV assessment).
To ensure robust protections for the environment are maintained, the reforms make clear that no decision made in parallel to a Part IV assessment will have the effect of authorising a proposal to be implemented. Proponents will also still be legally prevented from implementing a proposal under s.41A of the EP Act.
Proponents will continue to be able to undertake minor or preliminary works, where they have obtained the consent of the Environmental Protection Authority (the Authority).
Upon commencement of the legislative reforms, the Parallel Decision-Making Policy will help to guide DMAs in appropriately processing and issuing decisions in parallel to a Part IV assessment.
