The Australian Government recently released details of proposed reforms to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

These reforms to Australia’s national environmental law seek to improve the protection of Australia’s environment, whilst keeping up with economic growth.  According to The Commonwealth’s media release; ‘This new national approach to the protection of Australia’s environment and biodiversity will be better for the environment, better for business and will lead to better cooperation.’ The major elements of the reforms include:·        

• Introducing new strategic approaches;·        

• A more streamlined assessment process;·        

• Adopting new national standards for accrediting environmental assessment and approval processes;·        

• Introducing an Australian Government Biodiversity Policy;·        

• Improving the listing of species for protection;·        

• Identifying and protecting ecosystems of national significance;·        

• Better regulating international trade in wildlife;·        

• Providing more public information;·        

• Taking a cooperative approach to developing environmental standards;·        

• Introducing better processes for heritage listing; and·        

• Developing a draft Environmental Offsets Policy.
  

To learn more about the changes, see the DEC Publication.

These changes will have implications to businesses and individuals looking to undertake proposals which will impact matters of national environmental significance. 

ecologia Environment has a track record of helping large projects through the Commonwealth EIA process, and is available to help you with your project environmental management requirements.

For more information go to EIA Services.

ecologia Environment

The premier independent environmental consultancy in WA.