WA works to fast-track environmental approvals
The Western Australian Government is strengthening the state’s environmental approvals system in a bid to speed up approvals and secure major projects essential to the energy transition.
A $14 million resourcing boost will go toward additional staffing at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Office of the Appeals Convenor (OAC).
It is hoped the funding boost will slash approvals time and fast-track major job-creating projects as the EPA and OAC work through existing backlogs.
“We’re delivering on our clean energy plan, securing major, job-creating projects to position WA as a global renewable energy powerhouse,” WA Premier Roger Cook said.
“This resourcing boost will help our approvals agencies to clear the backlog of approvals and deliver faster outcomes for project proponents across the state.”
The WA Government has also made additional investments into the state’s environmental assessment agencies, including reforms.
These reforms will allow other government regulators to process and issue parallel approvals while EPA assessments are underway, provide the Environment Minister with the power to supply the EPA with a statement of expectation, and expand membership of the EPA’s board.
“This investment is fundamentally good for the environment and good for business,” WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby said.
“Not only does it mean Western Australia’s environmental assessment agencies are better resourced to provide high-quality environmental decisions, but it also means investors will receive greater certainty and quicker decisions.”