We consult with relevant stakeholders

We are required to refer applications and consult with relevant decision-making authorities. These may include, but are not limited to: 

• Environmental Protection Authority (if the proposal is within a declared Aquaculture Development Zone or determined to be environmentally significant)
• Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions 
• Department of Transport (marking and lighting requirements) 
• the local port authority 
• Department of Planning Lands and Heritage (for proposals with an associated non-freehold land component), and
• the local government authority (for proposals that have an associated land component or require land-based access).

Proposals within an area of a marine park or a marine management area permitting aquaculture must be referred to the Minister for Environment for approval before authorisation is granted. 

For more information, see ss. 92 and 98 of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994.

It is also necessary, under Section 24HA of the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993, to notify any representative Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander bodies, registered native title bodies corporate, and registered native title claimants in relation to the land or waters.

We may consult with other agencies that may have expertise in, be directly affected by, or have an interest in the activities to be carried out under the licence. These may include, but are not limited to: 

• Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
• Department of Water and Environmental Regulation 
• Department of Premier and Cabinet (Aboriginal Affairs) 
• the relevant regional development commission 
• Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (Tourism WA). 

We will exercise discretion when deciding if we need to consult other agencies. 

We may consult with peak community and industry representative groups that may have expertise in, be directly affected by, or have an interest in the activities to be carried out under the authorisation. These may include, but are not limited to: 

• Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) 
• Aquaculture Council of Western Australia (ACWA)
• Recfishwest 
• Pearl Producers Association (PPA) 
• Conservation Council of Western Australia (Inc.). 

Where applicable, the groups listed above are responsible for ensuring appropriate regional associations, representative bodies or members are notified of proposals and advised that they can make their comments directly to us. 

If we identify a special interest, then that organisation should be consulted to the extent that other organisations are consulted. 

We will exercise discretion when deciding if we need to consult with certain community and industry groups.