Assessing significant proposals that require multiple approvals
Any proposal likely to have a significant effect on the environment should be referred to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act), for assessment. Once the EPA has completed its assessment and published its report, the Minister for Environment decides whether the proposal can be implemented and sets approval conditions.
Upon commencement of the legislative reforms being proclaimed on 28 November 2024, the Parallel Decision-Making Policy will come into effect for processing and issuing decisions in parallel to a Part IV assessment.
In addition to the Minister’s approval, other approvals may also be required, and changes have been made to streamline this process.
Applications may be eligible for one of the following assessment options.
Parallel approvals
This process allows for the approval of applications for environmental and water licences and permits to proceed while the EPA undertakes its assessment. This process is suitable if a proposal undergoing EPA assessment requires:
- works approvals and operating licences for prescribed industrial premises that will likely not need changes to be consistent with a later Part IV approval
- clearing permits for native vegetation that:
- are not in the area covered by the assessment under Part IV of the EP Act
- will need to occur even if the proposal being assessed does not proceed
- will likely not need changes to be consistent with a related Part IV approval
- water licence approvals where water is not a factor that is being assessed under Part IV of the EP Act.
Parallel processing
We are improving our existing parallel processing approach to streamline the assessment of significant proposals that are not eligible for parallel approvals. We will assess approvals in parallel and finalise a decision after the Minister’s decision under Part IV of the EP Act has been finalised.
How to find out which option is suitable for your proposal
Before submitting your referral, we encourage you to discuss your proposals with us, so we can work with you to scope your approval requirements and assessment options.
Contact us
For general enquiries relating to water licensing:
1800 508 885 or licence.enquiry@dwer.wa.gov.au
For general enquiries relating to:
- works approvals and operating licences for prescribed industrial premises
- native vegetation clearing permits
(08) 6364 7000 or info@dwer.wa.gov.au
