The Federal Government recently released its response to the Samuels Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act).
Nature Positive Plan: better for the environment better for business includes three key priorities:
1. Delivering outcome-focussed environmental protection laws that are nature positive
2. Faster decision-making and clear priorities to provide certainty to project proponents
3. Restoring integrity and trust to environmental decision making through establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
The response notes Government’s intention to streamline approvals processes and accredit state authorities under new National Environmental Standards to facilitate one-touch approvals. CME has welcomed this intention and will continue to highlight the need for bilateral accreditation to be prioritised in the implementation of these reforms.
With $87 billion in medium and long-term projects in the WA pipeline – projects essential to decarbonisation and Australia meeting net zero ambitions – approvals are an extremely significant factor in whether these projects can come online within necessary timelines.
CME will continue to work alongside our members to review the response in full ahead of an exposure draft being developed in the first half of 2023.
Contact: Anita Loguidice, Senior Adviser – Environment & Sustainability
Email: a.logiudice@cmewa.com
