CME Chief Executive Paul Everingham said the industry was pleased the Government had recognised the need for additional resources.
“Various sectors of the WA economy, including the resources sector, are starting to experience some growth. This has increased the workload for the EPA,” he said.
“Delays on resources projects jeopardise job creation and investment in WA, and means less royalties flow back into the State’s economy.”
Mr Everingham said industry licensing fees were increased by 14 per cent this financial year to raise additional funds for the DWER to improve service delivery for industry licensing, however the resourcing issues for EPA were not addressed as part of this.
“It is excellent the Government has recognised the resourcing issues faced by the EPA and is now taking action to ensure the WA economy can grow,” he said.
“The EPA must continue to be appropriately resourced so it can conduct its regulatory functions in a timely manner on behalf of the people of WA.”
