- Streamlined environmental approvals system in place from 28 November
- Reforms to speed up approvals while retaining strong environmental protections
- Introduces parallel approvals and Statement of Expectation for the Environmental Protection Authority
The Cook Labor Government's significant reforms to Western Australia's environmental approvals laws will take effect from next month, helping to unlock new job-creating projects while supporting stringent environmental standards.
Reforms to the Environmental Protection Act will come into effect on 28 November 2024, speeding up approvals processes by allowing parallel approvals for the first time.
The new laws allow other Government regulators to process and issue their own approvals while Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) assessments are underway, improving timeframes and providing more certainty for industry.
Under the new laws, the Environment Minister will also provide the EPA with a Statement of Expectation, helping it to better understand the Government's priorities - including the green energy transition, housing delivery and protection of WA's unique environment.
The changes to the Environmental Protection Act deliver on recommendations from the Vogel-McFerran Review into the State's environmental laws, initiated by Premier Roger Cook last year.
For more information on the Environmental Protection Act Amendment Bill 2024, visit:
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/government-initiatives-and-projects/streamline-wa .
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Our environmental approvals reforms will unlock major green energy projects, deliver certainty for industry, support local jobs and maintain WA's world-class environmental standards.
"This is an important step in our plan to diversify our economy and turn WA into a global renewable energy powerhouse - setting up our State for the future."
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"Our reforms will ensure WA's high environmental protection standards are upheld while supporting efficient processes for business.
"These are sensible changes that will streamline approval processes without compromising the EPA's independence."
