Late-2013 saw plenty of activity around environmental assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act).
On 16 October 2013, the Minister for the Environment announced a three-step framework for the implementation of the Federal Government’s ‘one-stop-shop’ policy. Meanwhile, on 20 December 2013, the Department of the Environment released new Significant Impact Guidelines, relating to the recently introduced ‘water trigger’ amendments.
These new developments are most relevant to proponents of developments requiring both State and Commonwealth environmental assessment and approval in Australia. In particular, the new Guidelines will be relevant for proponents of Coal Seam Gas (CSG) developments or large coal mining developments.
This alertprovides an overview of the EPBC Act.
Key contacts
Jay Leary
Partner, Africa Group
Greg Mulley
Partner, London
Sian Newnham
Partner, Brisbane
Laura Hulett
Partner, London and Latin America Group
Disclaimer
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