- Planning schemes and amendments without direct environmental impact will no longer require Environmental Protection Authority referral
- Local governments, proponents, and EPA to benefit from the new rules
- Regulatory change a key recommendation of the Vogel-McFerran review
The Cook Government is delivering on its promise to overhaul Western Australia’s environmental approvals system with new regulations set to significantly reduce the number of planning schemes that need to be referred to the Environmental Protection Authority.
Until now, all regional and local planning schemes and amendments had to be referred to the EPA for assessment for their impact on the environment.
In many cases, these schemes and amendments had little or no environmental impact.
As part of Environmental Protection Amendment Regulations 2024, schemes that do not impact the environment will no longer need to be referred to the EPA.
This change is expected to result in a rapid and meaningful reduction in the number of planning schemes referred to the EPA, which will be relieved of the administrative burden and able to focus on high-priority work that will protect the environment.
Local governments will also benefit from a reduction in unnecessary administration.
The change, a key recommendation of Dr Paul Vogel and Mr David McFerran’s review of WA’s environmental approvals system, will improve processes the review found had become overly complex, time-consuming, and costly for proponents.
The State Government will continue implementing the review’s recommendations to help unlock billions of dollars of investment in major job-creating projects in WA.
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
“The Cook Government is committed to reforming Western Australia’s approvals system.
“This change means planning schemes that do not have an environmental impact will no longer require an EPA referral, cutting red tape for proponents and reducing the administrative burden on our State’s environmental watchdog.
“This is a great example of our Government’s approach to environmental approvals.
“It means businesses can get on with doing their job while the EPA spends more of its time protecting the environment.”
As stated by Planning Minister John Carey:
“The introduction of these new regulations complements the rollout of the Cook Government’s nation-leading planning reform program aimed at boosting housing supply by cutting unnecessary red tape.
“This reform is expected to result in a reduction in the number of planning scheme amendments referred to the EPA and will assist in speeding up the delivery of housing in WA.”
