Explaining Environmental Approvals
Are you planning a project or development, or changing the way that you use your land, which might have impacts on our environment? If so, you may need additional approvals under national law.
To help you work out what you need to do, the Australian Government has developed an information toolkit to explain our national environmental law—the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (The EPBC Act), which is designed to protect our unique animals, plants, habitats and heritage places now and into the future.
The EPBC Act makes sure ‘matters of national environmental significance’ are identified, and any potential negative impacts on them are considered and managed before any changes in land use or new developments are approved.
Andrew McNee from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment says anyone unsure if their project requires approval under the EPBC Act should contact the department early.
“We’re here to help. You can arrange a pre-referral meeting with one of our staff to discuss your plans. Getting that early advice could save you a lot of wasted time and money, and help our environment.”
You can find the information toolkit and a short video about the EBPC Act on the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment website.
For further information visit the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment website.
