The Western Australian government has introduced groundbreaking reforms to WA’s environmental approval laws, aiming to expedite major projects while maintaining the state’s high environmental standards.
The Environmental Protection Act Amendment Bill 2024 represents the most significant overhaul of the state’s environmental approval process in a generation.
The new legislation introduces several key changes:
Parallel Decision-Making: Government regulators will now be allowed to issue approvals before the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) completes its environmental impact assessment. This change could potentially save years in the approval process for major projects.
Increased Penalties: To maintain strong environmental protections, penalties for carrying out works without approval will double. Individuals may face fines of up to $125,000, while body corporates could be fined up to $250,000.
EPA Guidance: The Environment Minister will provide the EPA with a ‘Statement of Expectation’ to better align the authority’s work with government priorities, including the green energy transition and job creation.
EPA Board Expansion: The independent EPA board will be expanded to between five and nine members, with specific skills and experience requirements.
The reforms aim to address issues identified in the Vogel-McFerran Review, which found the current approval process to be overly complex, time-consuming, and costly without providing additional environmental benefits.
Premier Roger Cook stated: “This legislation strikes the right balance — slashing green tape, removing duplication and reducing delays – all while maintaining the highest environmental standards.”
Environment Minister Reece Whitby emphasised that the reforms will not compromise environmental standards.
“These reforms will ensure WA’s high environmental protection standards are upheld while supporting efficient processes for business,” he said.
The new legislation is part of a broader effort by the WA government to modernise Western Australia’s environmental framework while supporting economic growth and the transition to green energy.
