{"id":"BILL-QLD-environmental-protection-efficiency-and-streamlining-and-other-legislation-amendment-bill-2025","name":"Environmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025","slug":"environmental-protection-efficiency-and-streamlining-and-other-legislation-amendment-bill-2025","collection":"bill","jurisdiction":"qld","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":"2025-01-01","administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":446096,"registerId":"BILL-QLD-environmental-protection-efficiency-and-streamlining-and-other-legislation-amendment-bill-2025:current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2025-01-01","status":"in_force","reasons":null,"registeredAt":"2026-05-06T12:45:15.714Z"},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0001","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 1","content":"# Environmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025\n\nQueensland\nEnvironmental Protection\n(Efficiency and Streamlining)\nand Other Legislation\nAmendment Bill 2025\n\nQueensland\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and\nStreamlining) and Other Legislation\nAmendment Bill 2025\nContents\nPage\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Short title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18\n2 Commencement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nDivision 1 Preliminary\n3 Act amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18\nDivision 2 Amendments commencing on assent\n4 Amendment of s 39 (Other definitions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19\n5 Amendment of s 41A (Decision on draft terms of reference) . . . 19\n6 Omission of ch 3, pt 1, div 2, sdiv 2 (Public notification of draft terms of\nreference) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20\n7 Amendment of s 46 (Finalising terms of reference) . . . . . . . . . . 20\n8 Amendment of s 49 (Decision on whether EIS may proceed) . . . 20\n9 Amendment of s 56 (Response to submissions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20\n10 Amendment of s 56A (Assessment of adequacy of response to\nsubmission and submitted EIS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21\n11 Amendment of s 65 (Public access to draft terms of reference or\nsubmitted EIS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21\n12 Amendment of s 67 (Process is suspended) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22\n13 Amendment of s 68 (Substantial compliance with notice requirements\nmay be accepted) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22\n14 Amendment of s 112 (Other key definitions for ch 5) . . . . . . . . . 22\n15 Amendment of s 125 (Requirements for applications generally) . 23\n16 Amendment of s 126 (Requirements for site-specific applications—CSG\nactivities) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24\n17 Amendment of s 126D (Requirements for proposed PRCP schedule)\n\nContents\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 2\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24\n18 Insertion of new s 126E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24\n126E Public interest considerations for s 126D . . . . . . . . . 24\n19 Omission of s 136A (Administering authority must obtain report about\npublic interest evaluation for particular applications) . . . . . . . . . . 25\n20 Amendment of s 139 (Information stage does not apply if EIS process\ncomplete) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25\n21 Amendment of s 150 (Notification stage does not apply to particular\napplications) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27\n22 Omission of ss 167A and 167B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29\n23 Amendment of s 176A (Criteria for decision—proposed PRCP schedule)\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29\n24 Amendment of s 205 (Conditions that must be imposed if application\nrelates to coordinated project) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29\n25 Amendment of s 226A (Requirements for amendment applications for\nenvironmental authorities) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30\n26 Amendment of s 226B (Requirements for amendment applications for\nPRCP schedules) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31\n27 Amendment of s 238 (Effect on assessment of amendment application—\nother changes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31\n28 Amendment of s 271 (Payment may be required for residual risks) 32\n29 Insertion of new s 273A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32\n273A Extension of period for payment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32\n30 Amendment of s 274 (Directions to carry out rehabilitation may be given\nif surrender refused) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32\n31 Amendment of s 276 (Restriction on surrender taking effect if payment\nrequired for residual risks) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33\n32 Amendment of s 285 (PRCP schedule must be audited) . . . . . . 33\n33 Omission of ch 5, pt 15, div 4A (Public interest evaluations) . . . 35\n34 Insertion of new s 316S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35\n316S Direction to carry out rehabilitation if no PRCP schedule 35\n35 Amendment of s 359 (Meaning of enforcement ground) . . . . . . . 35\n36 Replacement of s 431A (PRCP schedule required for particular\nenvironmentally relevant activities) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36\n431A PRCP schedule required for particular environmental\nauthorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36\n37 Amendment of s 444I (Functions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36\n38 Replacement of ss 462 and 463 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37\n462 Power to secure seized thing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37\n\nContents\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 3\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n463 Offence to contravene seizure requirement . . . . . . . 37\n463A Offence to interfere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38\n463B Receipt and information notice for seized thing . . . . 38\n463C Access to seized thing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39\n463D Return of seized thing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40\nPart 2A Forfeiture orders\n463E Forfeiture order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41\n39 Amendment of s 467 (Authorised person may take or direct someone to\ntake stated action) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43\n40 Amendment of s 497 (Limitation on time for starting summary\nproceedings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43\n41 Amendment of s 520 (Dissatisfied person) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45\n42 Amendment of s 540 (Registers to be kept by administering authority)\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45\n43 Amendment of s 540A (Registers to be kept by chief executive) 46\n44 Amendment of s 755 (Administering authority must assess proposed\nPRC plan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46\n45 Omission of s 755A (Application of requirement for public interest\nevaluation for application stage) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47\n46 Amendment of s 765A (Application of part if holder of environmental\nauthority changes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47\n47 Amendment of s 802 (Particular holders may apply for PRC plan\napproval for pt 27) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47\n48 Insertion of new ch 13, pt 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49\nPart 35 Transitional provisions for Environmental Protection\n(Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation\nAmendment Act 2025\nDivision 1 Preliminary\n826 Definitions for part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49\nDivision 2 Transitional provisions for amendments commencing\non assent\nSubdivision 1 Public interest evaluations\n827 Definition for subdivision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50\n828 Ending of relevant matters in relation to existing public\ninterest evaluations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50\n829 Modified application of new s 56—giving proponent a copy of\nsubmissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52\n830 Modified application of new s 56—period for proponent’s\nresponse to submissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53\n831 Modified application of new s 56A—period for chief\n\nContents\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 4\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\nexecutive’s consideration of EIS etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53\n832 Starting of decision stage for particular site-specific\napplications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54\n833 Restarting of assessment process suspended under former s\n167B(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54\n834 Restarting of assessment process suspended under former s\n167B(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54\n835 No debt payable by third party entity under former s 316PD\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55\n836 Continuation of confidentiality of public interest evaluation\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56\nSubdivision 2 Other matters\n837 Draft terms of reference submitted before commencement\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56\n838 Information stage does not apply to application made before\ncommencement if IAR evaluated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57\n839 Notification stage does not apply to application made before\ncommencement if draft IAR publicly notified . . . . . . . 57\n840 Continuation of former s 238 for particular changes to\namendment applications made before commencement 57\n841 Application of new ch 5, pt 10, div 6 for residual risks\nrequirement given after commencement . . . . . . . . . . 58\n842 Application of new s 273A to existing residual risks\nrequirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58\n843 Application of new s 276 in relation to existing residual risks\nrequirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59\n844 Continuation of audits of PRCP schedules started before\ncommencement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59\n845 Continuation of former ss 462 and 463 in relation to things\nseized before commencement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60\n846 Limitation period for particular summary proceedings 60\n847 Register of particular TOR documents to be kept by chief\nexecutive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60\n848 Transfers of environmental authorities to which pt 27 applies\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61\n849 Application of new s 802 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62\nDivision 4 Transitional regulation\n861 Transitional regulation-making power . . . . . . . . . . . . 63\n49 Amendment of sch 2 (Original decisions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64\n50 Amendment of sch 4 (Dictionary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65\n\nContents\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 5\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\nDivision 3 Amendments commencing by proclamation\n51 Amendment of s 4 (How object of Act is to be achieved) . . . . . . 66\n52 Amendment of s 6A (Principles of environmental protection) . . . 66\n53 Insertion of new s 9A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66\n9A Significant environmental values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67\n54 Replacement of ch 1, pt 3, div 2, sdiv 4 (Environmentally relevant\nactivities) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67\nSubdivision 4 Environmentally relevant activities\n18 Meaning of environmentally relevant activity . . . . . . . 68\n19 Activity may be prescribed as environmentally relevant\nactivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68\n19A Transitional arrangements for former or new environmentally\nrelevant activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69\n20 Declaration of environmentally relevant activity as a code-\nmanaged ERA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70\n20A General ERAs carried out in connection with resource ERAs\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71\n55 Omission of ch 1, pt 3, div 2, sdiv 6 (Prescribed conditions) . . . . 71\n56 Amendment of s 28 (Contents of policies) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72\n57 Amendment of s 79 (What is an agricultural ERA) . . . . . . . . . . . 72\n58 Amendment of s 81 (What is an agricultural ERA standard) . . . . 72\n59 Omission of ss 106–111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73\n60 Amendment of s 112 (Other key definitions for ch 5) . . . . . . . . . 73\n61 Amendment of s 115 (Development application taken to be application\nfor environmental authority in particular circumstances) . . . . . . . 73\n62 Amendment of s 118 (Single application required for ERA projects) 75\n63 Amendment of s 119 (Single environmental authority required for ERA\nprojects) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76\n64 Amendment of s 130 (Nomination of principal applicant) . . . . . . 77\n65 Amendment of s 316C (Application of division) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77\n66 Amendment of s 318YE (Conditions of recognition) . . . . . . . . . . 77\n67 Amendment of s 318YI (Approval continues pending decision about\nrenewal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78\n68 Amendment of s 318YM (Inquiry about application) . . . . . . . . . . 79\n69 Replacement of s 318YN (Decision on application) . . . . . . . . . . 79\n318YN Decision on application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79\n70 Amendment of s 318YO (Failure to decide application) . . . . . . . 80\n71 Amendment of s 318YR (Show cause notice) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80\n\nContents\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 6\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n72 Amendment of s 318YV (Immediate suspension of recognition of\naccreditation program) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80\n73 Insertion of new ch 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80\nChapter 6 Carrying out code-managed ERA under relevant ERA\ncode\nPart 1 Registration for particular code-managed ERAs\n318ZK Application of part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81\n318ZL Requirement to be registered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81\n318ZM Request for registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81\n318ZN Joint request for registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82\n318ZO Notice of ceasing to carry out code-managed ERA . 83\n318ZP Term of registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84\nPart 2 Transitioning to relevant ERA code\nDivision 1 Preliminary\n318ZQ Purpose of part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84\nDivision 2 Code-managed ERAs for which registration required\n318ZR Application of division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85\n318ZS Withdrawal of application for environmental authority if\napplicant requests registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85\n318ZT Surrender of environmental authority if holder requests\nregistration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85\n318ZU Surrender of environmental authority on holder’s deemed\nregistration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86\nDivision 3 Other code-managed ERAs\n318ZV Application of division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89\n318ZW Withdrawal of application for environmental authority if\napplicant gives notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89\n318ZX Surrender of environmental authority if holder gives notice\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90\n318ZY Surrender of environmental authority on holder’s deemed\ndecision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91\nDivision 4 Other provision\n318ZZ Amount refundable on surrender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93\n74 Amendment of s 319 (General environmental duty) . . . . . . . . . . 94\n75 Amendment of s 320A (Application of div 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94\n76 Amendment of s 330 (What is a transitional environmental program) 94\n77 Amendment of s 331 (Requirements for applications generally) . 94\n78 Amendment of s 332 (Administering authority may require particular","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0002","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 2","content":"Contents\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 7\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\nentities to apply for issue of program) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95\n79 Amendment of s 346 (Effect of compliance with program) . . . . . 95\n80 Amendment of s 359 (Meaning of enforcement ground) . . . . . . . 95\n81 Amendment of s 426 (Environmental authority required for particular\nenvironmentally relevant activities) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96\n82 Replacement of ch 8, pt 2A (Offences relating to conditions) . . . 96\nPart 2A Offences relating to code-managed ERAs\n435A Offence to contravene relevant ERA code . . . . . . . . 97\n83 Amendment of s 452 (Entry of place—general) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97\n84 Amendment of s 458 (Order to enter land to conduct investigation or\nconduct work) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98\n85 Amendment of s 493A (When environmental harm or related acts are\nunlawful) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98\n86 Amendment of s 540 (Registers to be kept by administering authority)\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98\n87 Amendment of s 540A (Registers to be kept by chief executive) 99\n88 Insertion of new ch 12, pt 1A, div 1, hdg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99\n89 Amendment of s 551 (Codes of practice) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99\n90 Insertion of new ch 12, pt 1A, divs 2 and 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100\nDivision 2 Making codes of practice for code-managed ERAs\n551A Chief executive may make code of practice for code-\nmanaged ERA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100\n551B Notice of proposed ERA code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101\n551C Consideration of submissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102\n551D Approval of ERA code by regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102\nDivision 3 Other provisions about codes of practice\n551E Minor amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103\n551F Publication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103\n91 Omission of s 707 (Deferment of application of s 426 to newly prescribed\nERAs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103\n92 Amendment of s 710 (References to former terms) . . . . . . . . . . 104\n93 Insertion of new ch 13, pt 35, div 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104\nDivision 3 Transitional provisions for amendments commencing\nby proclamation\nSubdivision 1 Small scale mining activities\n850 Definitions for subdivision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104\n851 Unamended Act continues to apply for particular period 105\n852 Offences against former s 435A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106\n\nContents\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 8\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n853 Exception, exemption or defence if acting under a prescribed\ncondition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107\n854 Environmental enforcement order for compliance with a\nprescribed condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107\n855 Existing application for transitional environmental program\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108\n856 Existing transitional environmental program . . . . . . . 109\n857 Recovery of costs and expenses for compliance action 110\nSubdivision 2 Other matters\n858 Existing codes of practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111\n859 References to environmentally relevant activities or ERA\nprojects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111\n860 Effect of change in particular terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112\n94 Amendment of sch 2 (Original decisions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113\n95 Amendment of sch 4 (Dictionary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113\nPart 3 Amendment of Forestry Act 1959\n96 Act amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115\n97 Insertion of new s 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115\n22 Approved forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116\n98 Amendment of s 35 (Granting of permit for land within State forest or\ntimber reserve) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116\n99 Insertion of new s 38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117\n38 Single integrated permission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117\n100 Amendment of s 40B (Amending conditions of permit) . . . . . . . . 118\n101 Omission of s 40D (Combined commercial activity permits) . . . . 119\n102 Insertion of new pt 4, div 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119\nDivision 3 Commercial activity agreements\n41 Chief executive may enter into commercial activity\nagreement for State forest or timber reserve . . . . . . 119\n42 Content of agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120\n42A Term and review of agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121\n42B Authorisation under agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121\n103 Amendment of s 56 (Permits etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122\n104 Amendment of s 73B (Commercial activities) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122\n105 Amendment of s 73C (Organised events) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124\n106 Amendment of s 96B (Delegation by chief executive—State plantation\nforests) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124\n107 Insertion of new pt 10, div 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124\n\nContents\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 9\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\nDivision 7 Transitional provision for Environmental Protection\n(Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation\nAmendment Act 2025\n151 Existing permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125\n108 Amendment of sch 3 (Dictionary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126\nPart 4 Amendment of Geothermal Energy Act 2010\n109 Act amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127\n110 Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128\nPart 5 Amendment of Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2009\n111 Act amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129\n112 Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129\nPart 6 Amendment of Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial\nProvisioning) Act 2018\n113 Act amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130\n114 Amendment of s 3 (Main purposes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130\n115 Amendment of s 5 (Relationship with Environmental Protection Act 1994)\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131\n116 Amendment of s 6 (Act does not affect other rights or remedies) 131\n117 Amendment of s 25 (Cash surety account) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131\n118 Amendment of s 53 (Application of subdivision) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131\n119 Amendment of s 55 (Holder must give surety) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131\n120 Amendment of s 55A (When surety must be given) . . . . . . . . . . 132\n121 Amendment of s 58 (Release of surety) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132\n122 Amendment of s 59 (Notification of administering authority) . . . . 132\n123 Amendment of s 61 (Administration fee for particular sureties) . 132\n124 Amendment of s 67 (Requesting entity may ask for realisation of surety)\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133\n125 Amendment of s 69 (Replenishment of surety) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133\n126 Insertion of new pt 7, div 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133\nDivision 3 Transitional provision for Environmental Protection\n(Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation\nAmendment Act 2025\n110 Release of surety provided for small scale mining tenure\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133\n127 Amendment of sch 1 (Dictionary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135\nPart 7 Amendment of Mineral Resources Act 1989\n128 Act amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135\n\nContents\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 10\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n129 Amendment of s 25 (Conditions of prospecting permit) . . . . . . . 135\n130 Amendment of s 74 (Grant of mining claim to which no objection is\nlodged) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136\n131 Amendment of s 334ZV (Deciding application for water monitoring\nauthority) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136\n132 Amendment of s 344 (Definitions for part) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136\n133 Amendment of s 344B (Meaning of rehabilitation activity) . . . . . 137\n134 Amendment of s 344D (Authorisation to carry out rehabilitation activities\non final rehabilitation site) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138\n135 Amendment of s 345 (Compensation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139\n136 Amendment of s 348 (Liability for payment of compensation to native title\nholders) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139\n137 Amendment of s 391A (Restriction on decisions or recommendations\nabout mining tenements) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139\n138 Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140\nPart 8 Amendment of Nature Conservation Act 1992\n139 Act amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141\n140 Amendment of s 127A (Functions of conservation officers) . . . . 141\n141 Amendment of s 144 (Power to stop and search vehicles etc.) . 141\n142 Amendment of s 145 (Entry and search—monitoring compliance) 141\n143 Amendment of s 146 (Entry and search—evidence of offences) 142\n144 Amendment of s 148 (Monitoring warrants) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142\n145 Amendment of s 149 (Offence related warrants) . . . . . . . . . . . . 142\n146 Amendment of s 151 (Conservation officer may require name and\naddress) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142\n147 Amendment of s 152 (Power to require information from certain persons)\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142\n148 Amendment of s 159B (Court may order compensation) . . . . . . 143\n149 Amendment of schedule (Dictionary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143\nPart 9 Amendment of Petroleum Act 1923\n150 Act amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143\n151 Amendment of s 2 (Definitions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144\n152 Amendment of s 75WC (Deciding application for water monitoring\nauthority) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144\n153 Amendment of s 157 (Environmental conditions prevail) . . . . . . 144\nPart 10 Amendment of Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act\n2004\n154 Act amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145\n\nContents\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 11\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n155 Amendment of s 799C (Meaning of abandoned operating plant) 145\n156 Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\n157 Act amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147\n158 Amendment of s 35 (Terms of permits) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147\n159 Replacement of s 55A (Form of commercial activity permit) . . . . 148\n55A Combining permit with Great Barrier Reef Marine Park region\npermission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148\n160 Omission of pt 4, div 5A (Transfer of particular commercial activity\npermits) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148\n161 Insertion of new pt 4, div 5, sdiv 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148\nSubdivision 3 Transferring commercial activity permits\n55F Commercial activity permit transferable . . . . . . . . . . 149\n55G Application to transfer permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149\n55H Considering transfer application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149\n55I Chief executive’s power to require further information 150\n55J Deciding transfer application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151\n55K Steps after approval of transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151\n162 Insertion of new s 55L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153\n55L Single integrated permission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153\n163 Amendment of s 63 (Other amendments (other than immediately)) 154\n164 Amendment of s 64 (Immediate amendment or suspension of permits for\nsafety or conservation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155\n165 Amendment of s 65 (Cancelling a permit or suspending a permit (other\nthan immediately)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156\n166 Amendment of s 69 (Chief executive may enter into commercial activity\nagreement) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157\n167 Amendment of s 90 (Immediate amendment or suspension of\ncommercial activity agreements for safety or conservation) . . . . 157\n168 Amendment of s 91 (Amending commercial activity agreements (other\nthan immediately)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158\n169 Amendment of s 208 (Internal review decision) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158\n170 Amendment of s 211 (Extending time for application) . . . . . . . . . 159\n171 Insertion of new pt 11, div 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160\nDivision 3 Transitional provision for Environmental Protection\n(Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation\nAmendment Act 2025\n250 Proposed amendments to permits and commercial activity\nagreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0003","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 3","content":"Contents\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 12\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n172 Amendment of schedule (Dictionary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161\nPart 12 Amendment of Regional Planning Interests Act 2014\n173 Act amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164\n174 Amendment of s 24 (Exemption—pre-existing resource activity) 164\nPart 13 Amendment of State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2014\n175 Regulation amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165\n176 Amendment of sch 1 (Infringement notice offences and fines for\nnominated laws) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165\nPart 14 Amendment of Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011\n177 Act amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166\n178 Amendment of s 224 (Return of seized thing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166\n179 Amendment of s 267 (Summary proceedings for offences) . . . . 168\n180 Insertion of new ch 16, pt 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168\nPart 6 Transitional provisions for Environmental Protection\n(Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation\nAmendment Act 2025\n335 Definitions for part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168\n336 Continuation of former s 224 in relation to things seized\nbefore commencement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169\n337 Limitation period for starting proceedings . . . . . . . . . 169\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n181 Act amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169\n182 Amendment of s 97 (Environmental authorities) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169\n183 Amendment of s 102 (Authorisations under water plans or regulation)\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170\n184 Amendment of s 370 (Obligation to give underground water impact\nreport) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171\n185 Amendment of s 370B (When obligation to give further underground\nwater impact report does not apply) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171\n186 Amendment of s 376 (Content of underground water impact report) 171\n187 Amendment of s 378 (Content of water monitoring strategy) . . . 172\n188 Insertion of new ss 379A and 379B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172\n379A Content of baseline assessment strategy . . . . . . . . . 172\n379B Requirements for baseline assessment timetable for baseline\nassessment strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174\n189 Amendment of s 386 (Publishing approval and making report available)\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175\n190 Insertion of new s 390A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175\n\nContents\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 13\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n390A Notifying office of particular matters related to approved\nreport for cumulative management area . . . . . . . . . . 175\n191 Amendment of s 391 (Minor or agreed amendments of approved report)\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176\n192 Amendment of s 392 (Direction to propose amendment and consult on\nproposal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177\n193 Insertion of new s 392A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178\n392A Regular amendments to baseline assessment strategy in\napproved report for cumulative management area . . 178\n194 Amendment of s 393 (Other amendments) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181\n195 Insertion of new s 396A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181\n396A Application of division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181\n196 Amendment of s 397 (Obligation to prepare baseline assessment plan)\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181\n197 Amendment of s 402 (Direction by chief executive to undertake baseline\nassessment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181\n198 Amendment of s 403 (Notice of intention to undertake baseline\nassessment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182\n199 Amendment of s 404 (Bore owner must give information) . . . . . 182\n200 Amendment of s 415 (Notice of intention to undertake bore assessment)\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182\n201 Amendment of s 418 (Direction by chief executive to undertake bore\nassessment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182\n202 Insertion of new ch 3, pt 5, div 2, sdiv 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183\nSubdivision 4 Application for bore assessment notice\n419A Definition for subdivision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183\n419B Application for bore assessment notice . . . . . . . . . . . 183\n419C Decision on application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184\n203 Amendment of s 420 (What is a make good agreement for a water bore)\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185\n204 Amendment of s 423 (Requirement to enter into make good agreement\nand reimburse bore owner) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185\n205 Insertion of new ch 3, pt 5, div 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186\nDivision 5 Regular reporting about make good obligations\n437B Regular reporting to office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186\n206 Insertion of new ch 3, pt 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187\nPart 9 Information requests by manager\n454A Obtaining information from resource tenure holders about\n\nContents\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 14\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\ncompliance with make good obligations . . . . . . . . . . 187\n207 Amendment of s 479 (Annual levy for underground water management)\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188\n208 Insertion of new s 482A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189\n482A Definition for part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189\n209 Amendment of s 483 (Public access to database) . . . . . . . . . . . 189\n210 Amendment of s 484 (Resource tenure holder access to information)\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189\n211 Amendment of s 485 (Chief executive’s access to information) . 190\n212 Insertion of new ch 9, pt 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190\nPart 15 Transitional provisions for Environmental Protection\n(Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation\nAmendment Act 2025\n1311 Definitions for part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190\n1312 Application of former ss 370 and 376 for particular\nunderground water impact reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190\n1313 Application of new s 370B(5) in relation to report amended\nafter commencement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191\n1314 Application of new s 390A in relation to existing underground\nwater impact report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192\n1315 Amendment of existing underground water impact report to\ninclude baseline assessment strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . 192\n1316 Application of new s 392A in relation to existing underground\nwater impact report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194\n1317 Baseline assessment plans for CMA tenures approved\nbefore commencement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194\n1318 Baseline assessment plans for CMA tenures given, but not\napproved, before commencement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195\n1319 Make good agreements for water bores entered into before\ncommencement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195\n1320 Continuation of requirement to advise chief executive of\nmake good agreement entered into before commencement\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196\n1321 Reporting period for first regular report after commencement\n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196\n1322 Application of annual levy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197\n213 Amendment of sch 4 (Dictionary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197\nPart 16 Other amendments\n214 Legislation amended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198\n\nContents\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 15\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\nSchedule 1 Other amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199\nPart 1 Amendments commencing on assent\nEnvironmental Protection Act 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199\nEnvironmental Protection Regulation 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200\nMineral Resources Act 1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202\nPetroleum Act 1923 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202\nPetroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 . . . . . . . . 203\nWater Act 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203\nPart 2 Amendments commencing by proclamation\nAnti-Discrimination Act 1991 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205\nCoal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205\nCoastal Protection and Management Act 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206\nEnvironmental Protection Act 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206\nForestry Act 1959 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210\nGeothermal Energy Act 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211\nGreenhouse Gas Storage Act 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212\nMineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014 212\nMineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Act 2018 213\nMining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . 214\nPetroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 . . . . . . . . 215\nPlanning Act 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215\nRecreation Areas Management Act 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216\nStrong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017 . . . . . 218\nWaste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219\nWater Act 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219\nWater Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220\n\n2025\nA Bill\nfor\nAn Act to amend the Environmental Protection Act 1994, the\nForestry Act 1959, the Geothermal Energy Act 2010, the\nGreenhouse Gas Storage Act 2009, the Mineral and Energy\nResources (Financial Provisioning) Act 2018, the Mineral\nResources Act 1989, the Nature Conservation Act 1992, the\nPetroleum Act 1923, the Petroleum and Gas (Production and\nSafety) Act 2004, the Recreation Areas Management Act 2006,\nthe Regional Planning Interests Act 2014, the State Penalties\nEnforcement Regulation 2014, the Waste Reduction and\nRecycling Act 2011, the Water Act 2000 and the legislation\nmentioned in schedule 1 for particular purposes\n\nPage 18\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 1]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 1 Preliminary\nThe Parliament of Queensland enacts—\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Short title\nThis Act may be cited as the Environmental Protection\n(Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation\nAmendment Act 2025.\n2 Commencement\nThe following provisions commence on a day to be fixed by\nproclamation—\n(a) part 2, division 3;\n(b) parts 3 to 7;\n(c) parts 9 to 12;\n(d) sections 182 and 183;\n(e) schedule 1, part 2.\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental\nProtection Act 1994\nDivision 1 Preliminary\n3 Act amended\nThis part amends the Environmental Protection Act 1994.\nNote—\nSee also the amendments in schedule 1.\n1\n2\nClause 3\n4\n5\n6\nClause 7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\nClause 18\n19\n20\n21\n\nPage 19\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 4]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nDivision 2 Amendments commencing on\nassent\n4 Amendment of s 39 (Other definitions)\n(1) Section 39, definition comment period—\nomit.\n(2) Section 39, definition submission period, paragraph (b),\n‘section 68(3)(b)(ii)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 68(3)(b)\n5 Amendment of s 41A (Decision on draft terms of\nreference)\n(1) Section 41A(1)(b), ‘to public notification under subdivision\n2’—\nomit.\n(2) Section 41A(1)(c), ‘subsection (4) or section 42(1)’—\nomit, insert—\nsubsection (4) or (5)\n(3) Section 41A(3) and (4), ‘to public notification’—\nomit.\n(4) Section 41A—\ninsert—\n(5) If the chief executive decides to allow the draft\nterms of reference to proceed, the chief executive\nmust give the proponent written notice about—\n(a) the decision; and\n(b) the steps the chief executive must take under\nsection 46.\n1\n2\nClause 3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\nClause 10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n\nPage 20\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 6]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n6 Omission of ch 3, pt 1, div 2, sdiv 2 (Public notification of\ndraft terms of reference)\nChapter 3, part 1, division 2, subdivision 2—\nomit.\n7 Amendment of s 46 (Finalising terms of reference)\n(1) Section 46, before subsection (1)—\ninsert—\n(1AA) This section applies if, under section 41A(1)(b),\nthe chief executive decides to allow the draft\nterms of reference to proceed.\n(2) Section 46(1)(a)—\nomit.\n(3) Section 46(1)(b) to (d)—\nrenumber as section 46(1)(a) to (c).\n(4) Section 46(1AA) to (2)—\nrenumber as section 46(1) to (3).\n8 Amendment of s 49 (Decision on whether EIS may\nproceed)\nSection 49(5A) to (5C) and (8)—\nomit.\n9 Amendment of s 56 (Response to submissions)\n(1) Section 56(1), from ‘the following’—\nomit, insert—\neach submission accepted by the chief executive.\n(2) Section 56(1A), (1B) and (2)(c)—\nomit.\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\nClause 5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\nClause 17\n18\n19\n20\nClause 21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n\nPage 21\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 10]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(3) Section 56(2)(d), ‘or report’—\nomit.\n(4) Section 56(2)(d)—\nrenumber as section 56(2)(c).\n(5) Section 56(3), definition relevant period, paragraph (a)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) 20 business days after the proponent is\ngiven a copy of all submissions accepted by\nthe chief executive; or\n10 Amendment of s 56A (Assessment of adequacy of\nresponse to submission and submitted EIS)\n(1) Section 56A(1)—\nomit, insert—\n(1) This section applies if a submission is accepted by\nthe chief executive under section 55.\n(2) Section 56A(4)(a), ‘, and any report about a public interest\nevaluation,’—\nomit.\n(3) Section 56A(4)(b)—\nomit.\n(4) Section 56A(4)(c), ‘and any report about a public interest\nevaluation’—\nomit.\n(5) Section 56A(4)(c)—\nrenumber as section 56A(4)(b).\n11 Amendment of s 65 (Public access to draft terms of\nreference or submitted EIS)\n(1) Section 65, heading, ‘draft terms of reference or’—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\nClause 10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\nClause 26\n27\n28\n\nPage 22\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 12]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nomit.\n(2) Section 65, ‘the draft terms of reference for an EIS or the’—\nomit, insert—\na\n12 Amendment of s 67 (Process is suspended)\nSection 67(3), ‘draft terms of reference or submitted EIS\nlapse’—\nomit, insert—\nsubmitted EIS lapses\n13 Amendment of s 68 (Substantial compliance with notice\nrequirements may be accepted)\n(1) Section 68(1), ‘division 2, subdivision 2 or’—\nomit.\n(2) Section 68(3)(b)—\nomit, insert—\n(b) fix a new submission period; and\n(3) Section 68(4), ‘comment or’—\nomit.\n(4) Section 68(5), ‘section 43(3) or 51(2)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 51(2)\n14 Amendment of s 112 (Other key definitions for ch 5)\nSection 112, definitions public interest consideration and\npublic interest evaluation—\nomit.\n1\n2\n3\n4\nClause 5\n6\n7\n8\n9\nClause 10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\nClause 22\n23\n24\n25","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0004","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 4","content":"Page 23\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 15]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n15 Amendment of s 125 (Requirements for applications\ngenerally)\n(1) Section 125(3)(a), ‘either’—\nomit, insert—\nany of the following applies\n(2) Section 125(3)(a)(i), ‘or’—\nomit.\n(3) Section 125(3)(a)(ii)—\nomit, insert—\n(ii) the Coordinator-General has, under the State\nDevelopment Act, section 34D, evaluated\nan EIS for each relevant activity the subject\nof the application and stated conditions that\nrelate to each relevant activity;\n(iii) the Coordinator-General has, under the State\nDevelopment Act, section 34L, evaluated an\nIAR for each relevant activity the subject of\nthe application and stated conditions that\nrelate to each relevant activity; and\n(4) Section 125(3)(b), after ‘paragraph (a)(ii)’—\ninsert—\nor (iii)\n(5) Section 125(6)(c), ‘section 26(1)(a)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 26(1)\n(6) Section 125(6)(c), after ‘EIS’—\ninsert—\nor IAR\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n\nPage 24\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 16]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n16 Amendment of s 126 (Requirements for site-specific\napplications—CSG activities)\nSection 126(3)(a) and (b)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) the Coordinator-General has—\n(i) evaluated an EIS for the CSG activity\nunder the State Development Act,\nsection 34D; or\n(ii) evaluated an IAR for the CSG activity\nunder the State Development Act,\nsection 34L; and\n(b) the Coordinator-General has stated\nconditions for each relevant activity the\nsubject of the application; and\n17 Amendment of s 126D (Requirements for proposed PRCP\nschedule)\nSection 126D(2)(b)(ii), after ‘consideration’—\ninsert—\nmentioned in section 126E\n18 Insertion of new s 126E\nAfter section 126D—\ninsert—\n126E Public interest considerations for s 126D\nFor section 126D(2)(b)(ii), each of the following\nmatters is a public interest consideration—\n(a) the benefit, including the significance of the\nbenefit, to the community resulting from the\nmining activity or resource project the\nsubject of the environmental authority\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\nClause 15\n16\n17\n18\n19\nClause 20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 25\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 19]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\napplication to which the PRCP schedule\nrelates;\n(b) any impacts, including long-term impacts\nfor the environment or the community, that\nmay reduce the benefit mentioned in\nparagraph (a) or have other negative impacts\non the environment or community;\n(c) whether there are any alternative options to\napproving the area as a non-use\nmanagement area having regard to—\n(i) the costs or other consequences of the\nalternative options; and\n(ii) the impact of the costs or other\nconsequences on the financial viability\nof the mining activity or resource\nproject;\n(d) whether the benefit to the community\nmentioned in paragraph (a), weighed against\nthe impacts mentioned in paragraph (b), is\nlikely to justify the approval of the non-use\nmanagement area having regard to any\nalternative options mentioned in paragraph\n(c);\n(e) another matter prescribed by regulation.\n19 Omission of s 136A (Administering authority must obtain\nreport about public interest evaluation for particular\napplications)\nSection 136A—\nomit.\n20 Amendment of s 139 (Information stage does not apply if\nEIS process complete)\n(1) Section 139, heading, after ‘EIS’—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\nClause 25\n26\n27\n28\n29\nClause 30\n31\n32\n\nPage 26\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 20]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\ninsert—\nor IAR\n(2) Section 139(1)(a), ‘either’—\nomit, insert—\nany of the following applies\n(3) Section 139(1)(a)(i), ‘or’—\nomit.\n(4) Section 139(1)(a)(ii), ‘and’—\nomit.\n(5) Section 139(1)(a)—\ninsert—\n(iii) in evaluating an IAR under the State\nDevelopment Act, the Coordinator-General\nhas stated conditions mentioned in section\n34L(3)(b) of that Act that relate to each\nrelevant activity the subject of the\napplication; and\n(6) Section 139(1)(b), after ‘paragraph (a)(ii)’—\ninsert—\nor (iii)\n(7) Section 139(1)(b)(ii)—\nomit, insert—\n(ii) for a proposed PRC plan, none of the\nfollowing has changed—\n(A) a post-mining land use or non-use\nmanagement area;\n(B) achieving a stable condition for land;\n(C) the way a post-mining land use will be\nachieved, or a non-use management\narea will be managed, to an extent\nlikely to result in significantly different\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 27\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 21]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nimpacts on environmental values\ncompared to the impacts on the values\nunder the EIS or IAR mentioned in\nparagraph (a);\n(D) the day by which rehabilitation of land\nto a stable condition will be achieved.\n21 Amendment of s 150 (Notification stage does not apply to\nparticular applications)\n(1) Section 150(1)—\nomit, insert—\n(1) This section applies to an application for an\nenvironmental authority if—\n(a) any of the following applies—\n(i) for an EIS under this Act—\n(A) the EIS for each relevant activity\nthe subject of the application has\nbeen publicly notified under\nsection 51; and\n(B) for a site-specific application for a\nmining activity relating to a\nmining lease—the public\nnotification included notification\nof the proposed PRC plan for the\napplication;\n(ii) for an EIS under the State\nDevelopment Act—\n(A) the draft EIS for each relevant\nactivity the subject of the\napplication has been publicly\nnotified under section 33 of that\nAct; and\n(B) for a site-specific application for a\nmining activity relating to a\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\nClause 7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 28\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 21]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nmining lease—the public\nnotification included notification\nof the proposed PRC plan for the\napplication;\n(iii) for an IAR under the State\nDevelopment Act—\n(A) the draft IAR for each relevant\nactivity the subject of the\napplication has been publicly\nnotified under section 34H of that\nAct; and\n(B) for a site-specific application for a\nmining activity relating to a\nmining lease—the public\nnotification included notification\nof the proposed PRC plan for the\napplication; and\n(b) since the public notification mentioned in\nparagraph (a)—\n(i) either—\n(A) the environmental risks of the\nrelevant activity and the way it\nwill be carried out have not\nchanged; or\n(B) if the application proposes a\nchange to the way the relevant\nactivity will be carried out—the\nadministering authority is\nsatisfied the change would not be\nlikely to attract a submission\nobjecting to the thing the subject\nof the change, if the notification\nstage were to apply to the change;\nand\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n\nPage 29\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 22]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(ii) for a proposed PRC plan mentioned in\nparagraph (a), neither of the following\nhas changed—\n(A) a post-mining land use or non-use\nmanagement area;\n(B) the day by which rehabilitation of\nland to a stable condition will be\nachieved.\n(2) Section 150(3), after ‘EIS’—\ninsert—\nor IAR mentioned in subsection (1)\n(3) Section 150(4)—\nomit.\n22 Omission of ss 167A and 167B\nSections 167A and 167B—\nomit.\n23 Amendment of s 176A (Criteria for decision—proposed\nPRCP schedule)\n(1) Section 176A(3)(b)—\nomit.\n(2) Section 176A(3)(c)—\nrenumber as section 176A(3)(b).\n24 Amendment of s 205 (Conditions that must be imposed if\napplication relates to coordinated project)\n(1) Section 205(2), note—\nomit, insert—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\nClause 14\n15\n16\nClause 17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\nClause 23\n24\n25\n26\n\nPage 30\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 25]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nNotes—\n1 In evaluating an EIS under the State Development\nAct, the Coordinator-General may state conditions\nunder section 34D(3)(b) of that Act.\n2 In evaluating an IAR under the State Development\nAct, the Coordinator-General may state conditions\nunder section 34L(3)(b) of that Act.\n(2) Section 205(3)—\nomit.\n(3) Section 205(4)—\nrenumber as section 205(3).\n25 Amendment of s 226A (Requirements for amendment\napplications for environmental authorities)\n(1) Section 226A(2)(a)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) any of the following applies—\n(i) the process under chapter 3 for an EIS\nfor the proposed amendment has been\ncompleted;\n(ii) the Coordinator-General has evaluated\nan EIS for the proposed amendment\nunder the State Development Act,\nsection 34D and stated conditions that\nrelate to the proposed amendment;\n(iii) the Coordinator-General has evaluated\nan IAR for the proposed amendment\nunder the State Development Act,\nsection 34L and stated conditions that\nrelate to the proposed amendment; and\n(2) Section 226A(2)(b), after ‘paragraph (a)(ii)’—\ninsert—\nor (iii)\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\nClause 12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 31\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 26]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n26 Amendment of s 226B (Requirements for amendment\napplications for PRCP schedules)\nSection 226B, after ‘schedule’—\ninsert—\n, other than an application for a minor amendment\n(PRCP threshold),\n27 Amendment of s 238 (Effect on assessment of\namendment application—other changes)\n(1) Section 238(3), before paragraph (a)—\ninsert—\n(aa) the information stage restarts, on the day\nnotice of the change is received, from the\nstart of the stage; and\n(2) Section 238(3)(a), from ‘, within’ to ‘received,’—\nomit.\n(3) Section 238(3)(b), ‘paragraph (a)’—\nomit, insert—\nparagraph (b)\n(4) Section 238(3)—\ninsert—\n(ba) a request under paragraph (b) must be made\nwithin the number of business days after the\nday notice of the change is received that\nwould apply if a reference in section 144, as\napplied under section 232, to the end of the\napplication stage were a reference to the\nlater of the following—\n(i) the day notice of the change is\nreceived;\n(ii) the day the fee mentioned in section\n236(1)(b) is paid; and\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\nClause 7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 32\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 28]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(5) Section 238(3)(c), ‘paragraph (a)’—\nomit, insert—\nparagraph (b)\n(6) Section 238(3)(aa) to (d)—\nrenumber as section 238(3)(a) to (f).\n28 Amendment of s 271 (Payment may be required for\nresidual risks)\nSection 271(2), ‘within a stated reasonable period’—\nomit, insert—\n, within 6 months after the day the notice is given,\n29 Insertion of new s 273A\nAfter section 273—\ninsert—\n273A Extension of period for payment\n(1) Before the end of the 6-month period mentioned\nin section 271(2) for a residual risks requirement,\nthe administering authority may, with the written\nagreement of the applicant, extend the period for\ncompliance with the requirement.\n(2) The administering authority may extend the\nperiod under subsection (1) only once.\n30 Amendment of s 274 (Directions to carry out\nrehabilitation may be given if surrender refused)\nSection 274(2), ‘(the rehabilitation direction)’—\nomit, insert—\n(the surrender rehabilitation direction)\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\nClause 6\n7\n8\n9\n10\nClause 11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\nClause 22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n\nPage 33\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 31]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n31 Amendment of s 276 (Restriction on surrender taking\neffect if payment required for residual risks)\n(1) Section 276, heading, ‘Restriction’—\nomit, insert—\nRestrictions\n(2) Section 276—\ninsert—\n(3) Also, a decision to approve the surrender lapses if\nthe applicant does not comply with the residual\nrisks requirement within—\n(a) the 6-month period mentioned in section\n271(2) for the requirement; or\n(b) if the administering authority extends the\nperiod under section 273A—the extended\nperiod.\n32 Amendment of s 285 (PRCP schedule must be audited)\n(1) Section 285, heading, after ‘audited’—\ninsert—\nif administering authority directs holder\n(2) Section 285(1)—\nomit, insert—\n(1) The administering authority may direct the holder\nof a PRCP schedule, by written notice (a PRCP\nschedule audit notice) stating the matters\nmentioned in subsection (3), to commission an\naudit of the schedule.\n(1A) However, a PRCP schedule audit notice may be\ngiven under subsection (1) only if—\n(a) the administering authority is satisfied the\naudit is necessary or desirable; and\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\nClause 16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 34\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 32]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(b) for a notice given within 3 years after the\nday the holder was last required to give an\naudit report for the PRCP schedule under\nthis section—the administering authority is\nsatisfied exceptional circumstances exist for\nthe giving of the notice.\n(1B) The PRCP schedule audit notice must state—\n(a) that the audit must be carried out by a\nrehabilitation auditor; and\n(b) the period (the audit period) for which the\naudit must be carried out.\n(1C) For subsection (3)(b), the period must be a\nreasonable period—\n(a) starting no earlier than 3 years before the\nday the PRCP schedule audit notice is\ngiven; and\n(b) ending no later than the day the notice is\ngiven.\n(1D) A PRCP schedule audit notice mentioned in\nsubsection (2)(b) must be accompanied by or\ninclude an information notice about the decision\nto give the PRCP schedule audit notice.\n(3) Section 285(2), from ‘The’ to ‘period,’—\nomit, insert—\nUnless the holder has a reasonable excuse, the\nholder must, within 4 months after the PRCP\nschedule audit notice is given,\n(4) Section 285(3), ‘subsection (2)(b)’—\nomit, insert—\nsubsection (6)(b)\n(5) Section 285(1A) to (3)—\nrenumber as section 285(2) to (7).\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 35\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 33]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n33 Omission of ch 5, pt 15, div 4A (Public interest\nevaluations)\nChapter 5, part 15, division 4A—\nomit.\n34 Insertion of new s 316S\nAfter section 316R—\ninsert—\n316S Direction to carry out rehabilitation if no\nPRCP schedule\n(1) This section applies in relation to the holder of an\nenvironmental authority issued for a site-specific\napplication for a mining activity relating to a\nmining lease if—\n(a) the holder does not also hold a PRCP\nschedule to which the environmental\nauthority relates, whether or not section\n431A applies to the holder; and\n(b) section 274 does not apply in relation to the\nenvironmental authority.\n(2) The administering authority may give the holder a\nwritten direction (the general rehabilitation\ndirection) to carry out stated rehabilitation within\na stated reasonable period.\n(3) The general rehabilitation direction must include\nan information notice about the decision to give\nthe direction.\n(4) In this section—\nrehabilitation includes environmental\nmanagement.\n35 Amendment of s 359 (Meaning of enforcement ground)\n(1) Section 359(e)(ix)—\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\nClause 5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\nClause 30\n31\n\nPage 36\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 36]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nomit, insert—\n(ix) a surrender rehabilitation direction; or\n(ixa) a general rehabilitation direction; or\n(2) Section 359(e)(ixa) to (xiii)—\nrenumber as section 359(e)(x) to (xiv).\n(3) Section 359(f), after subparagraph (i)—\ninsert—\n(ia) section 431A;\n(4) Section 359(f)(ia) to (v)—\nrenumber as section 359(f)(ii) to (vi).\n36 Replacement of s 431A (PRCP schedule required for\nparticular environmentally relevant activities)\nSection 431A—\nomit, insert—\n431A PRCP schedule required for particular\nenvironmental authorities\nThe holder of an environmental authority issued\nfor a site-specific application for a mining activity\nrelating to a mining lease must also hold a PRCP\nschedule to which the authority relates.\nMaximum penalty—4,500 penalty units.\n37 Amendment of s 444I (Functions)\nSection 444I(a)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) providing advice to the Minister on\nrehabilitation and management practices,\noutcomes and policies;\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\nClause 11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\nClause 22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0005","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 5","content":"Page 37\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 38]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n38 Replacement of ss 462 and 463\nSections 462 and 463—\nomit, insert—\n462 Power to secure seized thing\n(1) Having seized a thing under this chapter, an\nauthorised person may—\n(a) leave the thing at the place where it was\nseized (the place of seizure) and take\nreasonable action to restrict access to it; or\n(b) move the thing from the place of seizure.\n(2) For subsection (1)(a), the authorised person may,\nfor example—\n(a) seal the thing, or the entrance to the place of\nseizure, and mark the thing or place to show\naccess to the thing or place is restricted; or\n(b) for equipment—make it inoperable; or\nExample—\nmake the equipment inoperable by dismantling it\nor removing a component without which the\nequipment can not be used\n(c) require a person the authorised person\nreasonably believes is in control of the place\nor thing to do an act mentioned in paragraph\n(a) or (b) or anything else an authorised\nperson could do under subsection (1)(a).\n463 Offence to contravene seizure requirement\nA person must comply with a requirement made\nof the person under section 462(2)(c) unless the\nperson has a reasonable excuse.\nMaximum penalty—165 penalty units.\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 38\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 38]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n463A Offence to interfere\n(1) If access to a seized thing is restricted under\nsection 462, a person must not tamper with the\nthing or with anything used to restrict access to\nthe thing without—\n(a) an authorised person’s approval; or\n(b) a reasonable excuse.\nMaximum penalty—165 penalty units.\n(2) If access to a place is restricted under section 462,\na person must not enter the place in contravention\nof the restriction or tamper with anything used to\nrestrict access to the place without—\n(a) an authorised person’s approval; or\n(b) a reasonable excuse.\nMaximum penalty—165 penalty units.\n463B Receipt and information notice for seized\nthing\n(1) This section applies if an authorised person seizes\nanything under this chapter unless—\n(a) the authorised person reasonably believes\nthere is no-one apparently in possession of\nthe thing or the thing has been abandoned;\nor\n(b) because of the condition, nature and value\nof the thing, it would be unreasonable to\nrequire the authorised person to comply\nwith this section.\n(2) The authorised person must, as soon as\npracticable after seizing the thing, give an owner\nor person in control of the thing before it was\nseized—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 39\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 38]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(a) a receipt for the thing that generally\ndescribes the thing and its condition; and\n(b) an information notice about the decision to\nseize the thing.\n(3) However, if an owner or person from whom the\nthing is seized is not present when it is seized, the\nreceipt and information notice may be given by\nleaving them in a conspicuous position and in a\nreasonably secure way at the place where the\nthing is seized.\n(4) The receipt and information notice may—\n(a) be given in the same document; and\n(b) relate to more than 1 seized thing.\n(5) The authorised person may delay giving the\nreceipt and information notice if the authorised\nperson reasonably suspects giving them may\nfrustrate or otherwise hinder an investigation by\nthe authorised person under this chapter.\n(6) However, the delay may be only for so long as—\n(a) the authorised person continues to have the\nreasonable suspicion; and\n(b) the authorised person, or a person acting\nunder the direction of the authorised person,\nremains in the vicinity of the place where\nthe thing was seized to keep the thing secure\nor under observation.\n463C Access to seized thing\n(1) Until a seized thing is forfeited or returned, the\nauthorised person who seized the thing must\nallow an owner of the thing—\n(a) to inspect it at any reasonable time and from\ntime to time; and\n(b) if it is a document—to copy it.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 40\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 38]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if it is impracticable\nor would be unreasonable to allow the inspection\nor copying.\n(3) The inspection or copying must be allowed free of\ncharge.\n463D Return of seized thing\n(1) This section applies if a seized thing is not subject\nto a forfeiture order under part 2A.\n(2) As soon as the administering executive stops\nbeing satisfied there are reasonable grounds for\nretaining the thing, the administering executive\nmust return the thing to its owner.\n(3) If the thing is not returned to its owner within 3\nmonths after it was seized, the owner may apply\nto the administering executive for its return.\n(4) Within 30 days after receiving the application, the\nadministering executive must—\n(a) if the administering executive is satisfied\nthere are reasonable grounds for retaining\nthe thing and decides to retain the\nthing—give the owner an information notice\nabout the decision, including the grounds\nfor retaining the thing; or\n(b) otherwise—return the thing to the owner.\n(5) For this section, there are reasonable grounds for\nretaining a seized thing if—\n(a) the thing is being, or is likely to be,\nexamined; or\n(b) the thing is needed, or may be needed, for\nthe purposes of—\n(i) a proceeding for an offence against this\nAct that is likely to be started or that\nhas been started but not completed; or\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 41\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 38]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(ii) an appeal from a decision in a\nproceeding for an offence against this\nAct; or\n(c) it is not lawful for the owner to possess the\nthing; or\n(d) the administering executive believes it is\nnecessary to continue to keep the thing to\nprevent its use in committing an offence.\n(6) Subsection (5) does not limit the grounds that may\nbe reasonable grounds for retaining the seized\nthing.\n(7) Nothing in this section affects a lien or other\nsecurity over the seized thing.\n(8) In this section—\nexamine includes analyse, test, account for,\nmeasure, weigh, grade, gauge and identify.\nPart 2A Forfeiture orders\n463E Forfeiture order\n(1) This section applies if a person is convicted of an\noffence against this Act.\n(2) The court may make an order (a forfeiture order),\non its own initiative or on an application by the\nprosecution, for the forfeiture of a thing owned by\nthe person to the relevant entity for the thing if the\nthing was the subject of, or used to commit, the\noffence.\n(3) The court may make a forfeiture order for a\nthing—\n(a) whether or not the thing has been seized\nunder this chapter; and\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 42\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 38]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(b) if the thing has been seized—whether or not\nthe thing has been returned to the person\nwho owned the thing immediately before\nthe seizure.\n(4) In deciding whether to make a forfeiture order for\na thing, the court—\n(a) may require notice to be given to any person\nthe court considers appropriate, including,\nfor example, a person who may have any\nproperty in the thing; and\n(b) must hear any submissions that a person\nclaiming to have any property in the thing\nmay wish to make; and\n(c) must have regard to—\n(i) any hardship that may reasonably be\nexpected to be caused to a person by\nthe order; and\n(ii) the use that is ordinarily made, or was\nintended to be made, of the thing; and\n(iii) the seriousness of the offence.\n(5) If the court makes a forfeiture order for a thing,\nthe thing becomes the property of the relevant\nentity for the thing and may be destroyed or\ndisposed of as directed by the administering\nexecutive.\n(6) The court may make any order it considers\nappropriate to enforce the forfeiture order.\n(7) This section does not limit the court’s powers\nunder another law.\n(8) In this section—\nrelevant entity, for a thing, means—\n(a) if an authorised person seized the thing in\nthe exercise of the power of seizure in the\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 43\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 39]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nenforcement of a matter devolved to a local\ngovernment—the local government; or\n(b) otherwise—the State.\n39 Amendment of s 467 (Authorised person may take or\ndirect someone to take stated action)\nSection 467(5)(c), from ‘apply’ to ‘the evidence’—\nomit, insert—\nto 463D apply to the thing as if the thing were the\nevidence or thing\n40 Amendment of s 497 (Limitation on time for starting\nsummary proceedings)\n(1) Section 497, after ‘Justices Act 1886’—\ninsert—\n, other than a relevant summary proceeding,\n(2) Section 497(a), ‘1 year’—\nomit, insert—\n2 years\n(3) Section 497(b)—\nomit.\n(4) Section 497(c), ‘1 year’—\nomit, insert—\n2 years\n(5) Section 497(c)(ii)—\nomit.\n(6) Section 497(c)(iii)—\nrenumber as section 497(c)(ii).\n(7) Section 497(c)—\n1\n2\n3\nClause 4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\nClause 10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n\nPage 44\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 40]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nrenumber as section 497(b).\n(8) Section 497—\ninsert—\n(2) A relevant summary proceeding must start—\n(a) within 3 years after the commission of the\noffence; or\n(b) if an enforceable undertaking has been made\nin relation to the offence—within 2 years\nafter—\n(i) the enforceable undertaking is\ncontravened; or\n(ii) the administering authority has agreed\nunder section 509 to the withdrawal of\nthe enforceable undertaking.\n(3) In this section—\nrelevant summary proceeding means a\nproceeding by way of summary proceeding under\nthe Justices Act 1886 for—\n(a) an indictable offence against this Act; or\n(b) an offence against any of the following\nprovisions of this Act—\n(i) section 319(2) if paragraph (b) of the\npenalty applies;\n(ii) section 319C(3) if paragraph (b) of the\npenalty applies;\n(iii) section 357I if paragraph (b) of the\npenalty applies;\n(iv) section 369A(1) if paragraph (b) of the\npenalty applies;\n(v) section 369A(2);\n(vi) section 426(1);\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 45\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 41]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(vii) section 430(3);\n(viii)section 431(2) if the penalty under\nsection 430(3) applies;\n(ix) section 437(2);\n(x) section 438(2);\n(xi) section 440(1) or (2);\n(xii) section 443A.\n41 Amendment of s 520 (Dissatisfied person)\n(1) Section 520(1)—\ninsert—\n(ea) if the decision is to give a PRCP schedule\naudit notice under section 285 and section\n285(2)(b) applies in relation to the giving of\nthe notice—the holder of the schedule; or\n(2) Section 520(1)—\ninsert—\n(sa) if the decision is about seizing a thing under\nsection 461 unless a circumstance\nmentioned in section 463B(1)(a) or (b)\napplies—the owner or person in control of\nthe seized thing before it was seized; or\n(sb) if the decision is about retaining a seized\nthing under section 463D(4)(a)—the owner\nof the seized thing; or\n(3) Section 520(1)(ea) to (x)—\nrenumber as section 520(1)(f) to (zb).\n42 Amendment of s 540 (Registers to be kept by\nadministering authority)\nSection 540(1)(a)(xiii)—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\nClause 8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\nClause 27\n28\n29\n\nPage 46\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 43]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nomit.\n43 Amendment of s 540A (Registers to be kept by chief\nexecutive)\n(1) Section 540A(1)(a)(i) to (iii)—\nomit.\n(2) Section 540A(1)(a)(vii), ‘subparagraph (vi)’—\nomit, insert—\nsubparagraph (iii)\n(3) Section 540A(1)(a)(iv) to (ix)—\nrenumber as section 540A(1)(a)(i) to (vi).\n44 Amendment of s 755 (Administering authority must\nassess proposed PRC plan)\n(1) Section 755(3)(c)—\nomit, insert—\n(c) the notification stage applies subject to\nsection 755B.\n(2) Section 755—\ninsert—\n(7) Without limiting subsection (6), in assessing,\nunder section 126C(1)(i), an applicant’s proposed\nmethodology for achieving best practice\nmanagement of the area to support the\nmanagement milestones under the proposed\nPRCP schedule for the area, the administering\nauthority may have regard to—\n(a) the historical context of operations on the\nland; and\n(b) historical constraints related to existing\ninfrastructure and approvals; and\n1\nClause 2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\nClause 11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 47\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 45]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(c) the extent to which it is practicable to apply\ncurrent standards related to best practice\nmanagement to the land.\n45 Omission of s 755A (Application of requirement for public\ninterest evaluation for application stage)\nSection 755A—\nomit.\n46 Amendment of s 765A (Application of part if holder of\nenvironmental authority changes)\nSection 765A—\ninsert—\nNote—\nHowever, see section 848 in relation to transfers of\nenvironmental authorities to which this part applies.\n47 Amendment of s 802 (Particular holders may apply for\nPRC plan approval for pt 27)\n(1) Section 802(1)(a)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) a PRCP schedule is not approved for an\nenvironmental authority to which part 27\napplies (including because of the operation\nof this division); and\nNote—\nSee also section 849 for the application of subsection\n(1)(a).\n(2) Section 802(1)(b), ‘for an environmentally relevant activity\ncarried out under’—\nomit, insert—\nin relation to\n1\n2\n3\nClause 4\n5\n6\n7\nClause 8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\nClause 15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 48\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 47]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(3) Section 802(1)(c), after ‘holder’—\ninsert—\nof the authority\n(4) Section 802(5)—\nomit, insert—\n(5) Section 431A does not apply to the holder of the\nenvironmental authority during the following\nperiods—\n(a) if, immediately before the relevant\ncommencement day, the administering\nauthority was not assessing a proposed PRC\nplan for the authority under part 27 or\nsubsection (2)—the period of 60 business\ndays from the relevant commencement day;\n(b) if an application for assessment of a\nproposed PRC plan for the authority is made\nunder subsection (2), whether before or after\nthe relevant commencement day—\n(i) the period for which the administering\nauthority is assessing the proposed\nPRC plan; and\n(ii) the period of 60 business days from the\nday the assessment ends, if the\nassessment ends without the proposed\nPRC plan being approved.\n(6) For subsection (5), the relevant commencement\nday is the day the amendment of this section by\nthe Environmental Protection (Efficiency and\nStreamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nAct 2025 commences.\n(7) To remove any doubt, it is declared that the holder\nof the environmental authority may ask the\nadministering authority, under subsection (2), to\nassess a proposed PRC plan for the authority more\nthan once.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n35\n\nPage 49\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n48 Insertion of new ch 13, pt 35\nChapter 13—\ninsert—\nPart 35 Transitional provisions\nfor Environmental\nProtection (Efficiency\nand Streamlining) and\nOther Legislation\nAmendment Act 2025\nDivision 1 Preliminary\n826 Definitions for part\nIn this part—\namendment Act means the Environmental\nProtection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and\nOther Legislation Amendment Act 2025.\nformer, in relation to a provision of this Act,\nmeans the provision as in force from time to time\nbefore the commencement of the transitional\nprovision in which the term is used.\nnew, in relation to a provision of this Act, means\nthe provision as in force from the commencement\nof the transitional provision in which the term is\nused.\ntransitional provision means a provision of this\npart.\nunamended Act means this Act as in force before\nthe commencement of the transitional provision\nin which the term is used.\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0006","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 6","content":"Page 50\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nDivision 2 Transitional provisions for\namendments commencing\non assent\nSubdivision 1 Public interest evaluations\n827 Definition for subdivision\nIn this subdivision—\npublic interest evaluation means a public interest\nevaluation under former section 112.\n828 Ending of relevant matters in relation to\nexisting public interest evaluations\n(1) This section applies if, before the\ncommencement—\n(a) either—\n(i) an EIS was submitted by a proponent;\nor\n(ii) a person gave a proposed PRC plan to\nthe administering authority for\nassessment; and\n(b) either—\n(i) the chief executive asked a qualified\nentity, under former section 49(5B), to\ncarry out a public interest evaluation\nand give the chief executive a report\nabout the evaluation that complied with\nformer section 316PB; or\n(ii) the administering authority asked a\nqualified entity, under former section\n136A(2), to carry out a public interest\nevaluation and give the administering\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 51\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nauthority a report about the evaluation\nthat complied with former section\n316PB; and\n(c) a relevant matter, or the period for carrying\nout a relevant matter, in relation to the\nevaluation had not ended under the former\nprovisions of this Act.\n(2) On the commencement, the relevant matter, or a\nrequirement to carry out the relevant matter, ends.\n(3) From the commencement, the new provisions of\nthis Act apply for—\n(a) the completion of the EIS process for the\nEIS; or\n(b) the assessment of the proposed PRC plan.\n(4) However, subsection (3)(a) does not apply in\nrelation to the terms of reference stage for the EIS.\nNote—\nSee section 837 in relation to draft terms of reference\nsubmitted before the commencement.\n(5) To the extent this section is inconsistent with\nsection 755, 778 or 802, this section prevails to\nthe extent of the inconsistency.\n(6) This section applies subject to sections 829 to\n836.\n(7) In this section—\nrelevant matter, in relation to a public interest\nevaluation, means each of the following\nmatters—\n(a) the carrying out of the evaluation;\n(b) the preparation and giving of a proposed\nreport about the evaluation;\n(c) the making of submissions about a proposed\nreport about the evaluation;\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 52\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(d) the consideration of submissions about a\nproposed report about the evaluation;\n(e) the preparation and giving of a final report\nabout the evaluation;\n(f) the preparation and giving of a response to a\nreport about the evaluation;\n(g) the consideration of a response to, or\nrecommendations made in, a report about\nthe evaluation;\n(h) the making of a decision based on a report\nabout the evaluation;\n(i) a request for a review of a report about the\nevaluation;\n(j) a review of a report about the evaluation.\n829 Modified application of new s 56—giving\nproponent a copy of submissions\n(1) This section applies in relation to an EIS if, before\nthe commencement—\n(a) under former section 49(5B), the chief\nexecutive had asked a qualified entity to\ngive the chief executive a report about a\npublic interest evaluation for a proposed\nnon-use management area; and\n(b) the qualified entity had not given the chief\nexecutive the report; and\n(c) the submission period had ended, but the\nchief executive had not given the proponent\na copy of each submission accepted by the\nchief executive.\n(2) Despite new section 56(1), the chief executive\nmust, within 10 business days after the day of the\ncommencement, give the proponent a copy of\neach submission accepted by the chief executive.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 53\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n830 Modified application of new s 56—period for\nproponent’s response to submissions\n(1) This section applies in relation to an EIS if, before\nthe commencement—\n(a) a public interest evaluation was carried out\nfor a proposed non-use management area;\nand\n(b) an entity asked for a review of a report about\nthe public interest evaluation under former\nsection 316PC; and\n(c) the proponent had not complied with former\nsection 56(2).\n(2) For applying new section 56(2), new section\n56(3), definition relevant period, paragraph (a) is\ntaken to refer to 20 business days after the day of\nthe commencement.\n831 Modified application of new s 56A—period for\nchief executive’s consideration of EIS etc.\n(1) This section applies in relation to an EIS if, before\nthe commencement—\n(a) a public interest evaluation was carried out\nfor a proposed non-use management area;\nand\n(b) an entity asked for a review of a report about\nthe public interest evaluation under former\nsection 316PC; and\n(c) the chief executive had accepted a\nsubmission under section 55, but had not\ncomplied with former section 56A(2).\n(2) For applying new section 56A(2), new section\n56(3), definition relevant period, paragraph (a) is\ntaken to refer to 20 business days after the day of\nthe commencement.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 54\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n832 Starting of decision stage for particular\nsite-specific applications\n(1) This section applies in relation to a site-specific\napplication if, before the commencement—\n(a) the administering authority asked a qualified\nentity, under former section 136A, to give\nthe chief executive a report about a public\ninterest evaluation; and\n(b) the decision stage for the application had not\nstarted only because of the operation of\nformer section 167A.\n(2) The decision stage starts on the day of the\ncommencement.\n833 Restarting of assessment process suspended\nunder former s 167B(3)\n(1) This section applies in relation to a site-specific\napplication if, before the commencement—\n(a) the applicant had asked the administering\nauthority, under former section 167B(2), to\nsuspend the assessment process; and\n(b) the assessment process had not restarted\nunder former section 167B(3).\n(2) The assessment process restarts on the earlier of\nthe following days—\n(a) the day notified by the applicant to the\nadministering authority whether notified\nbefore or after the commencement;\n(b) the day that is 18 months after the day the\ndecision stage started for the application.\n834 Restarting of assessment process suspended\nunder former s 167B(6)\n(1) This section applies in relation to a site-specific\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 55\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\napplication if, before the commencement—\n(a) under former section 316PC, an entity had\nasked the chief executive for a review of a\nreport about a public interest evaluation in\nrelation to the application; and\n(b) the assessment process had not restarted\nunder former section 167B(6).\n(2) The assessment process restarts on the earlier of\nthe following days—\n(a) the day notified by the applicant to the\nadministering authority whether notified\nbefore or after the commencement;\n(b) the day that is 18 months after the day of the\ncommencement.\n835 No debt payable by third party entity under\nformer s 316PD\n(1) This section applies if, before the\ncommencement, costs were reasonably incurred\nby the administering authority or the chief\nexecutive as mentioned in former section 316PD.\n(2) From the commencement, the costs are no longer\na debt payable by a third party entity.\n(3) To remove any doubt, it is declared that a debt that\narose under former section 316PD but was not\npaid before the commencement is, from the\ncommencement, no longer payable by a third\nparty entity.\n(4) In this section—\nthird party entity means an entity other than the\nadministering authority or the State.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 56\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n836 Continuation of confidentiality of public\ninterest evaluation\n(1) This section applies if—\n(a) immediately before the commencement,\nformer section 316PE applied to a person;\nand\n(b) on the commencement, new section 579D\ndoes not apply to the person.\n(2) Former section 316PE(2) to (4) continues to apply\nin relation to the person as if the amendment Act\nhad not been enacted.\n(3) To remove any doubt, it is declared that a\nproceeding for an offence against former section\n316PE(2) may, after the commencement, be\nstarted or continued under that section as if the\namendment Act had not been enacted.\nSubdivision 2 Other matters\n837 Draft terms of reference submitted before\ncommencement\n(1) This section applies if, before the\ncommencement—\n(a) a proponent submitted to the chief executive\ndraft terms of reference for an EIS; and\n(b) the chief executive had not published the\nfinal terms of reference for the EIS.\n(2) The following provisions continue to apply in\nrelation to the EIS as if the amendment Act had\nnot been enacted—\n(a) former chapter 3, part 1, division 2;\n(b) former sections 65, 67 and 68;\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 57\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(c) former schedule 2, part 1, division 1 to the\nextent it applied to an original decision\nunder former section 41A(1)(b), 43(3)(c) or\n68(3)(b);\n(d) the Environmental Protection Regulation\n2019, former chapter 2, part 3.\n838 Information stage does not apply to\napplication made before commencement if IAR\nevaluated\nNew section 139 applies in relation to an\napplication for an environmental authority—\n(a) whether the application was made before or\nafter the commencement; and\n(b) whether an IAR relevant to the application\nwas evaluated before or after the\ncommencement.\n839 Notification stage does not apply to\napplication made before commencement if\ndraft IAR publicly notified\nNew section 150 applies in relation to an\napplication for an environmental authority—\n(a) whether the application was made before or\nafter the commencement; and\n(b) whether a draft IAR relevant to the\napplication was publicly notified before or\nafter the commencement.\n840 Continuation of former s 238 for particular\nchanges to amendment applications made\nbefore commencement\n(1) This section applies if, before the\ncommencement—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 58\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(a) an applicant gave the administering\nauthority written notice of a change to an\namendment application; and\n(b) the change was not a minor change; and\n(c) the administering authority had not given its\nwritten agreement to the change.\n(2) Former section 238 continues to apply in relation\nto the change to the amendment application as if\nthe amendment Act had not been enacted.\n841 Application of new ch 5, pt 10, div 6 for\nresidual risks requirement given after\ncommencement\nNew chapter 5, part 10, division 6 applies in\nrelation to a residual risks requirement given after\nthe commencement, whether the surrender\napplication to which the requirement relates was\nmade before or after the commencement.\n842 Application of new s 273A to existing residual\nrisks requirement\n(1) This section applies if, before the\ncommencement—\n(a) the administering authority had given an\napplicant a residual risks requirement under\nformer section 271(2); and\n(b) the stated reasonable period mentioned in\nformer section 271(2) had not ended.\n(2) New section 273A applies in relation to extending\nthe period for compliance with the residual risks\nrequirement as if the reference in new section\n273A(1) to the 6-month period mentioned in\nsection 271(2) were a reference to the stated\nreasonable period mentioned in former section\n271(2).\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 59\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n843 Application of new s 276 in relation to existing\nresidual risks requirement\n(1) This section applies if—\n(a) before the commencement—\n(i) the administering authority had given\nan applicant a residual risks\nrequirement under former section\n271(2); and\n(ii) the stated reasonable period mentioned\nin former section 271(2) had not ended;\nand\n(b) after the commencement, the applicant does\nnot comply with the residual risks\nrequirement within—\n(i) the stated reasonable period; or\n(ii) if the administering authority extends\nthe period under new section 273A, as\napplied by section 842—the extended\nperiod.\n(2) New section 276(3) applies in relation to the\napplicant as if a reference to a period in new\nsection 276(3)(a) or (b) were a reference to the\nperiod mentioned in subsection (1)(b)(i) or (ii).\n844 Continuation of audits of PRCP schedules\nstarted before commencement\n(1) This section applies if, before the\ncommencement—\n(a) an audit period, within the meaning of\nformer section 285, had ended for the holder\nof a PRCP schedule; and\n(b) the holder had not given the administering\nauthority an audit report, within the\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 60\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nmeaning of former section 285, for the audit\nperiod.\n(2) Former section 285 continues to apply in relation\nto the holder as if the amendment Act had not\nbeen enacted.\n(3) A reference in new section 285(2)(b) to an audit\nreport for the PRCP schedule given under new\nsection 285 includes a reference to an audit report\nfor the schedule given under former section 285.\n845 Continuation of former ss 462 and 463 in\nrelation to things seized before\ncommencement\n(1) This section applies in relation to a thing seized by\nan authorised person under former chapter 9\nbefore the commencement.\n(2) Former sections 462 and 463 continue to apply in\nrelation to the thing as if the amendment Act had\nnot been enacted.\n846 Limitation period for particular summary\nproceedings\n(1) This section applies in relation to a proceeding, by\nway of summary proceeding under the Justices\nAct 1886, for an offence against this Act that was\ncommitted before the commencement.\n(2) Former section 497 continues to apply in relation\nto starting the proceeding as if the amendment Act\nhad not been enacted.\n847 Register of particular TOR documents to be\nkept by chief executive\n(1) The chief executive must continue to keep a\nregister of the following in relation to an EIS\nsubmitted before the commencement—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 61\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(a) the submitted draft terms of reference for\nthe EIS;\n(b) written summaries of comments given to the\nchief executive about the draft terms of\nreference for the EIS;\n(c) the proponent’s response to the comments\nmentioned in paragraph (b).\n(2) A reference in this Act to a register kept under\nsection 540A is taken to include a reference to the\nregister kept under subsection (1).\n848 Transfers of environmental authorities to\nwhich pt 27 applies\n(1) This section applies if, after the\ncommencement—\n(a) a person (the transferee) becomes the\nholder of an environmental authority to\nwhich part 27 applies; and\n(b) a PRCP schedule is not approved for the\nauthority.\n(2) Within 60 business days after the transfer day, the\nadministering authority may, with the agreement\nof the transferee, give the transferee a notice\nmentioned in subsection (3) (a restart notice).\nNote—\nIf the administering authority does not give a restart\nnotice to the transferee, see section 765A.\n(3) The restart notice must state a period of at least 6\nmonths, from the day the notice is given, within\nwhich the transferee may, under section 802(2),\nask the administering authority to assess a\nproposed PRC plan for the environmental\nauthority.\n(4) If the administering authority gives the transferee\na restart notice—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0007","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 7","content":"Page 62\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(a) section 765A(2) does not apply, and is taken\nnot to have applied from the transfer day;\nand\n(b) without limiting section 802(5), section\n431A does not apply to the transferee during\nthe period—\n(i) starting on the transfer day; and\n(ii) ending on the last day of the period\nstated in the restart notice under\nsubsection (3); and\n(c) if, before the transfer day, the administering\nauthority had given a notice under section\n754(1) to the previous holder of the\nenvironmental authority—\n(i) the notice given under section 754(1)\nstops having effect, and is taken to\nhave stopped having effect from the\ntransfer day; and\n(ii) section 765A(3) does not apply, and is\ntaken not to have applied from the\ntransfer day; and\n(d) if, immediately before the restart notice was\ngiven, the administering authority was\nassessing an application for a proposed PRC\nplan for the environmental authority, the\napplication is taken to have been withdrawn\non the giving of the restart notice.\n(5) In this section—\ntransfer day, for an environmental authority\nmentioned in subsection (1), means the day the\ntransferee becomes the holder of the authority.\n849 Application of new s 802\nNew section 802(1)(a) applies—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 63\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 48]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(a) regardless of the reason a PRCP schedule\nhas not been approved; and\nExamples of reasons a PRCP schedule may not have\nbeen approved—\n• The holder of an environmental authority\nfailed to comply with a notice given under\nsection 754.\n• The holder of an environmental authority did\nnot receive a notice required to be given to\nthe holder under section 754.\n• The administering authority gave the holder\nof an environmental authority a written notice\nrefusing to approve a proposed PRCP\nschedule.\n• The application to which a proposed PRCP\nschedule relates lapsed or was withdrawn.\n(b) whether the reason arose before or after the\ncommencement.\nDivision 4 Transitional regulation\n861 Transitional regulation-making power\n(1) A regulation (a transitional regulation) may\nmake provision about a matter for which—\n(a) it is necessary to make provision to allow or\nfacilitate the doing of anything to achieve\nthe transition—\n(i) from the operation of this Act as in\nforce before the commencement of a\nrelevant amendment; and\n(ii) to the operation of this Act as in force\nafter the commencement of the\nrelevant amendment; and\n(b) this Act does not provide or sufficiently\nprovide.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 64\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 49]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(2) A transitional regulation may have retrospective\noperation to a day not earlier than the day the\nrelevant amendment to which the regulation\nrelates commences.\n(3) A transitional regulation must declare it is a\ntransitional regulation.\n(4) A transitional regulation—\n(a) may be made for a relevant amendment\nwithin 2 years after the relevant amendment\ncommences; and\n(b) expires on the day that is 2 years after the\nday the relevant amendment commences.\n(5) This division expires on the day that is 2 years\nafter the day the last relevant amendment\ncommences.\n(6) In this section—\nrelevant amendment means an amendment of this\nAct by the amendment Act.\n49 Amendment of sch 2 (Original decisions)\n(1) Schedule 2, part 1, division 1, entry for section 41A(1)(b), ‘to\npublic notification’—\nomit.\n(2) Schedule 2, part 1, division 1, entry for section 43(3)(c)—\nomit.\n(3) Schedule 2, part 1, division 1, entry for section 68(3)(b),\n‘comment or’—\nomit.\n(4) Schedule 2, part 1, division 3, entry for section 274(2), after\n‘give’—\ninsert—\nsurrender\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\nClause 19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 65\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 50]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(5) Schedule 2, part 1, division 3—\ninsert—\n(6) Schedule 2, part 1, division 3, entries for sections\n318YN(1)(b), 318YN(1)(c), 318YU(2) and 318ZJA—\nrelocate to schedule 2, part 1, division 4.\n(7) Schedule 2, part 2, division 6—\ninsert—\n50 Amendment of sch 4 (Dictionary)\n(1) Schedule 4, definitions comment period, public interest\nconsideration, public interest evaluation, rehabilitation\ndirection and TOR notice—\nomit.\n(2) Schedule 4—\ninsert—\ngeneral rehabilitation direction see section\n316S(2).\nsurrender rehabilitation direction see section\n274(2).\n(3) Schedule 4, definition audit period, ‘section 285(1)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 285(3)(b)\n285 decision to give PRCP schedule audit notice if section\n285(2)(b) applies in relation to the giving of the notice\n316S decision to give general rehabilitation direction\n461 decision to seize a thing under section 461 unless a\ncircumstance mentioned in section 463B(1)(a) or (b)\napplies\n463D(4)(a) decision to retain a seized thing\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\nClause 8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n\nPage 66\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 51]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(4) Schedule 4, definition audit report, ‘section 285(2)(a)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 285(6)(a)\n(5) Schedule 4, definition regulatory requirement, paragraph\n(b)(i), ‘to public notification’—\nomit.\nDivision 3 Amendments commencing by\nproclamation\n51 Amendment of s 4 (How object of Act is to be achieved)\nSection 4(4)—\ninsert—\n(c) deciding environmental values that are to be\nprotected as a priority and declared to be\nsignificant environmental values.\n52 Amendment of s 6A (Principles of environmental\nprotection)\n(1) Section 6A(1)—\ninsert—\n(d) the State interest of protecting significant\nenvironmental values as a priority.\n(2) Section 6A(2)(b), ‘principle’—\nomit, insert—\nmatter\n53 Insertion of new s 9A\nAfter section 9—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\nClause 9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\nClause 15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\nClause 24\n25\n\nPage 67\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 54]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\ninsert—\n9A Significant environmental values\n(1) Each of the following is a significant\nenvironmental value—\n(a) an environmental value declared to be a\nsignificant environmental value under an\nenvironmental protection policy;\n(b) an environmental value declared to be a\nsignificant environmental value under a\nregulation.\n(2) An environmental value may be declared to be a\nsignificant environmental value only if the\nMinister is satisfied the value is of significance to\nthe State and should be protected under this Act as\na priority.\n(3) Environmental values may be declared to be\nsignificant environmental values by reference to\nenvironmental values in a particular area.\nExamples for subsection (3)—\n• all environmental values in a protected area under\nthe Nature Conservation Act 1992\n• all environmental values in a marine conservation\npark zone established under a zoning plan for a\nState marine park under the Marine Parks Act 2004\n• all environmental values in a fish habitat area\ndeclared under the Fisheries Act 1994\n54 Replacement of ch 1, pt 3, div 2, sdiv 4 (Environmentally\nrelevant activities)\nChapter 1, part 3, division 2, subdivision 4—\nomit, insert—\nSubdivision 4 Environmentally relevant\nactivities\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\nClause 27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 68\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 54]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n18 Meaning of environmentally relevant activity\n(1) An environmentally relevant activity is an\nactivity that is prescribed under section 19 to be—\n(a) an environmentally relevant activity\n(general); or\n(b) an environmentally relevant activity\n(resource).\n(2) An agricultural ERA as defined in section 79 is\nalso an environmentally relevant activity.\n19 Activity may be prescribed as environmentally\nrelevant activity\n(1) A regulation may prescribe an activity, other than\na resource activity, as an environmentally relevant\nactivity (general).\n(2) A regulation may prescribe a resource activity as\nan environmentally relevant activity (resource).\n(3) To remove any doubt, it is declared that an\nactivity that is an agricultural ERA as defined in\nsection 79 may be prescribed as an\nenvironmentally relevant activity (general).\nNote—\nAn environmental authority is required for carrying out\nan agricultural ERA that is a general ERA—see section\n426.\n(4) However, the Minister may recommend the\nmaking of a regulation prescribing an activity\nunder subsection (1) or (2) only if the Minister is\nsatisfied—\n(a) that—\n(i) a contaminant will or may be released\ninto the environment when the activity\nis carried out; and\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 69\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 54]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(ii) the release of the contaminant will or\nmay cause environmental harm; or\n(b) the activity will or may otherwise adversely\naffect—\n(i) a significant environmental value; or\n(ii) an environmental value of the marine\nenvironment.\n19A Transitional arrangements for former or new\nenvironmentally relevant activities\n(1) This section applies if, on the commencement of\na regulation under section 19 (the relevant\nregulation)—\n(a) an activity that was an environmentally\nrelevant activity is no longer an\nenvironmentally relevant activity; or\n(b) an activity that was not an environmentally\nrelevant activity becomes an\nenvironmentally relevant activity.\n(2) A regulation may provide for transitional\narrangements about the operation of this Act in\nrelation to the activity, including, for example, by\nproviding that—\n(a) if subsection (1)(a) applies—\n(i) on the commencement of the relevant\nregulation, an application for an\nenvironmental authority for the activity\nthat has been made but not decided is\ntaken to have been withdrawn; or\n(ii) on the commencement of the relevant\nregulation, an environmental authority\nfor the activity that is in effect is taken\nto have been surrendered; or\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 70\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 54]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(iii) particular fees relating to a withdrawal\nmentioned in subparagraph (i), or a\nsurrender mentioned in subparagraph\n(ii), must be refunded; or\n(b) if subsection (1)(b) applies—for a stated\nperiod, a stated provision of this Act,\nincluding, for example, section 426 or\n435A, does not apply in relation to a person\nwho was carrying out the activity\nimmediately before the commencement of\nthe relevant regulation.\n20 Declaration of environmentally relevant\nactivity as a code-managed ERA\n(1) A regulation may declare an environmentally\nrelevant activity to be a code-managed ERA.\n(2) The regulation may also declare that a person\ncarrying out the code-managed ERA under the\nrelevant ERA code must be registered under\nchapter 6, part 1.\n(3) The Minister may recommend the making of a\nregulation under this section for an\nenvironmentally relevant activity only if the\nMinister is satisfied—\n(a) the risk of environmental harm that may be\ncaused by the carrying out of the activity is\nknown; and\n(b) the environmental harm can be effectively\nprevented, minimised, rehabilitated or\nremediated, by requiring compliance with\nan ERA code.\n(4) Also, the Minister may recommend the making of\na declaration under subsection (2) in relation to\nthe environmentally relevant activity only if the\nMinister is satisfied the carrying out of the\nactivity needs to be monitored under this Act—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n35\n\nPage 71\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 55]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(a) having regard to—\n(i) the nature of the activity; and\n(ii) the degree of risk of environmental\nharm that may be caused by the\ncarrying out of the activity; and\n(b) to ensure the effective administration of this\nAct.\n20A General ERAs carried out in connection with\nresource ERAs\n(1) This section applies in relation to an\nenvironmental authority for a resource ERA that\nauthorises 1 or more other activities that are\ngeneral ERAs (each an ancillary activity).\n(2) The ancillary activities are taken to be resource\nERAs for the purpose of an application for an\nenvironmental authority.\n(3) However, the ancillary activities are taken to be\ngeneral ERAs for the purpose of the following—\n(a) the power to impose conditions on the\nenvironmental authority under chapter 5,\npart 5, division 6;\n(b) the fees that apply to the environmental\nauthority under this Act.\n(4) This section applies whether or not the\nenvironmentally relevant activities approved by\nthe environmental authority are carried out as a\nresource ERA project.\n55 Omission of ch 1, pt 3, div 2, sdiv 6 (Prescribed\nconditions)\nChapter 1, part 3, division 2, subdivision 6—\nomit.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\nClause 28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 72\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 56]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n56 Amendment of s 28 (Contents of policies)\nSection 28(1)—\ninsert—\n(c) include each declaration of a significant\nenvironmental value made under section\n9A(1)(a) in relation to the environment or\naspect or part of the environment to which\nthe policy applies.\n57 Amendment of s 79 (What is an agricultural ERA)\nSection 79—\ninsert—\nNote—\nAn agricultural ERA may also be a general ERA—see\nsection 19(3).\n58 Amendment of s 81 (What is an agricultural ERA\nstandard)\n(1) Section 81—\ninsert—\n(3A) An agricultural ERA standard—\n(a) applies to a person carrying out the\nagricultural ERA to which the standard\nrelates; but\n(b) does not apply to the person carrying out the\nagricultural ERA to the extent the standard\nis inconsistent with a condition of an\nenvironmental authority under which the\nperson is carrying out the activity.\n(2) Section 81(3A) to (6)—\nrenumber as section 81(4) to (7).\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\nClause 9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\nClause 15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 73\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 59]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n59 Omission of ss 106–111\nSections 106 to 111—\nomit.\n60 Amendment of s 112 (Other key definitions for ch 5)\n(1) Section 112, definitions ERA project, prescribed ERA project\nand resource project—\nomit.\n(2) Section 112—\ninsert—\nERA project means a general ERA project or\nresource ERA project.\ngeneral ERA project means 2 or more general\nERAs, whether of the same or different kinds,\ncarried out, or proposed to be carried out, as a\nsingle integrated operation.\nresource ERA project means resource ERAs\ncarried out, or proposed to be carried out, as a\nsingle integrated operation—\n(a) under 1 or more resource tenures, in any\ncombination; and\n(b) whether or not general ERAs are also\ncarried out, or proposed to be carried out, as\npart of the operation.\nNote—\nSee section 20A in relation to environmental\nauthorities authorising resource ERAs and general\nERAs.\n61 Amendment of s 115 (Development application taken to\nbe application for environmental authority in particular\ncircumstances)\n(1) Section 115(1)(b)(i), (2), (4) and (5), ‘prescribed ERA’—\nClause 1\n2\n3\nClause 4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\nClause 28\n29\n30\n31","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0008","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 8","content":"Page 74\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 61]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nomit, insert—\ngeneral ERA\n(2) Section 115—\ninsert—\n(1A) However, this section does not apply in relation to\na material change of use of premises for a general\nERA that is a code-managed ERA if the applicant\nstates in the development application that the\napplicant intends to carry out the code-managed\nERA under the relevant ERA code.\n(3) Section 115(1A) to (5)—\nrenumber as section 115(2) to (6).\n(4) Section 115—\ninsert—\n(7) Also, if the general ERA is a code-managed\nERA—\n(a) the applicant may give the administering\nauthority written notice that the applicant\nintends to carry out the code-managed ERA\nunder the relevant ERA code; and\n(b) if the applicant gives a written notice under\nparagraph (a), the application for an\nenvironmental authority for the general\nERA under subsection (3)—\n(i) is taken to have been withdrawn; or\n(ii) for an application for an environmental\nauthority for the general ERA under\nsubsection (3) relating to a\ncode-managed ERA the subject of a\nnotice under paragraph (a) and other\ngeneral ERAs—is taken to have been\nwithdrawn to the extent the application\nrelates to the code-managed ERA the\nsubject of the notice.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n\nPage 75\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 62]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nNote—\nSee—\n(a) chapter 6, part 1 for the requirement to be\nregistered under that part if a regulation made\nunder section 20 declares that a person\ncarrying out the code-managed ERA under\nthe relevant ERA code must be registered;\nand\n(b) section 435A for the requirement to comply\nwith the relevant ERA code when carrying\nout the code-managed ERA other than under\nan environmental authority.\n62 Amendment of s 118 (Single application required for ERA\nprojects)\n(1) Section 118(2), after ‘all’—\ninsert—\nthe environmentally\n(2) Section 118—\ninsert—\n(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to an\nenvironmentally relevant activity that is a\ncode-managed ERA if the person—\n(a) for a code-managed ERA that may be\ncarried out under the relevant ERA code\nonly by a person who is registered under\nchapter 6, part 1—is registered under\nchapter 6, part 1 in relation to the\ncode-managed ERA; or\n(b) for another code-managed ERA—has given\nthe administering authority a written notice\nstating the person intends to carry out the\ncode-managed ERA under the relevant ERA\ncode.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\nClause 13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 76\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 63]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nNote—\nSee section 435A for the requirement to comply with\nthe relevant ERA code when carrying out a\ncode-managed ERA other than under an environmental\nauthority.\n63 Amendment of s 119 (Single environmental authority\nrequired for ERA projects)\n(1) Section 119(3), ‘resource activity’—\nomit, insert—\nresource ERA\n(2) Section 119—\ninsert—\n(5) Also, this section does not prevent the holder from\ncarrying out a code-managed ERA as part of the\nproject if the holder—\n(a) for a code-managed ERA that may be\ncarried out under the relevant ERA code\nonly by a person who is registered under\nchapter 6, part 1—is registered under\nchapter 6, part 1 in relation to the\ncode-managed ERA; or\n(b) for another code-managed ERA—has given\nthe administering authority a written notice\nstating the holder intends to carry out the\ncode-managed ERA under the relevant ERA\ncode.\nNote—\nSee section 435A for the requirement to comply with\nthe relevant ERA code when carrying out a\ncode-managed ERA other than under an environmental\nauthority.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\nClause 6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 77\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 64]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n64 Amendment of s 130 (Nomination of principal applicant)\n(1) Section 130—\ninsert—\n(2A) Also, the principal applicant nominated in the\napplication may give the administering authority\na written notice mentioned in section 118(3)(b) or\n119(5)(b) for all applicants for the application.\nNote—\nSee also sections 318ZN and 318ZW(4) in relation to\nmaking requests or giving notices relating to carrying\nout a code-managed ERA under the relevant ERA code.\n(2) Section 130(2A) and (3)—\nrenumber as section 130(3) and (4).\n65 Amendment of s 316C (Application of division)\nSection 316C(1)(b), ‘or prescribed condition for a small scale\nmining activity’—\nomit.\n66 Amendment of s 318YE (Conditions of recognition)\n(1) Section 318YE(2), ‘granted’—\nomit, insert—\napproved\n(2) Section 318YE(2)(b)—\nomit, insert—\n(b) the owner of the program must—\n(i) make a record about a decision to\naccredit a person under the program;\nand\n(ii) keep the record for at least 6 years after\nthe decision is made;\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\nClause 14\n15\n16\n17\nClause 18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 78\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 67]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(3) Section 318YE(2)(c)(ii), ‘address’—\nomit, insert—\nlot on plan description\n(4) Section 318YE(2)(c)(iii), after ‘accreditation’—\ninsert—\n, including the day the accreditation expires\n(5) Section 318YE(2)—\ninsert—\n(ca) the owner of the program must, if asked by\nthe chief executive, give the chief executive\na copy of the records mentioned in\nparagraph (b);\n(6) Section 318YE(2)(ca) to (f)—\nrenumber as section 318YE(2)(d) to (g).\n(7) Section 318YE(4)(a), ‘granted’—\nomit, insert—\napproved\n(8) Section 318YE(4), after paragraph (a)—\ninsert—\n(aa) renewal of the recognised accreditation\nprogram is approved; or\n(9) Section 318YE(4)(aa) and (b)—\nrenumber as section 318YE(4)(b) and (c).\n67 Amendment of s 318YI (Approval continues pending\ndecision about renewal)\nSection 318YI(1), ‘60 days’—\nomit, insert—\n45 business days\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\nClause 24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n\nPage 79\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 68]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n68 Amendment of s 318YM (Inquiry about application)\nSection 318YM(1) and (3), ‘30 days’—\nomit, insert—\n30 business days\n69 Replacement of s 318YN (Decision on application)\nSection 318YN—\nomit, insert—\n318YN Decision on application\n(1) The chief executive must consider the application\nand decide—\n(a) to approve the application subject to the\nstandard recognition conditions only; or\n(b) to approve the application subject to the\nstandard recognition conditions and 1 or\nmore non-standard recognition conditions;\nor\n(c) to refuse the application.\n(2) If the chief executive decides to approve the\napplication subject to the standard recognition\nconditions only, the chief executive must give the\napplicant a notice about the decision.\n(3) If the chief executive decides to refuse the\napplication, or to approve the application subject\nto 1 or more non-standard recognition conditions,\nthe chief executive must give the applicant an\ninformation notice for the decision as soon as\npracticable after making the decision.\n(4) In this section—\nnon-standard recognition conditions means\nconditions of recognition under section\n318YE(2)(g).\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\nClause 5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 80\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 70]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nstandard recognition conditions means\nconditions of recognition under section\n318YE(2)(a) to (f).\n70 Amendment of s 318YO (Failure to decide application)\nSection 318YO(1) and (3),‘30 days’—\nomit, insert—\n30 business days\n71 Amendment of s 318YR (Show cause notice)\nSection 318YR(3), ‘28 days’—\nomit, insert—\n20 business days\n72 Amendment of s 318YV (Immediate suspension of\nrecognition of accreditation program)\nSection 318YV(3)(b)(iii),‘45 days’—\nomit, insert—\n45 business days\n73 Insertion of new ch 6\nAfter chapter 5A—\ninsert—\nChapter 6 Carrying out\ncode-managed ERA\nunder relevant ERA\ncode\n1\n2\n3\nClause 4\n5\n6\n7\nClause 8\n9\n10\n11\nClause 12\n13\n14\n15\n16\nClause 17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n\nPage 81\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 73]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nPart 1 Registration for\nparticular\ncode-managed ERAs\n318ZK Application of part\nThis part applies in relation to a code-managed\nERA if—\n(a) an ERA code is in effect for the activity; and\n(b) a regulation made under section 20 declares\nthat a person carrying out the activity under\nthe ERA code must be registered under this\npart.\n318ZL Requirement to be registered\n(1) A person must not carry out the code-managed\nERA under the ERA code unless the person is\nregistered under this part in relation to the\nactivity.\nMaximum penalty—50 penalty units.\n(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person carrying\nout the code-managed ERA under an\nenvironmental authority.\n318ZM Request for registration\n(1) A person may ask the administering authority to\nregister the person under this part in relation to the\ncode-managed ERA.\n(2) The request must be—\n(a) in the approved form; and\n(b) accompanied by the registration fee (if any)\nprescribed by regulation for the registration.\n(3) If a person makes a request under this section, the\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 82\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 73]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nadministering authority must as soon as\npracticable—\n(a) register the person under this part in relation\nto the code-managed ERA; and\n(b) record in the relevant register the person’s\nregistration for the code-managed ERA; and\n(c) give the person written notice of the\nregistration.\n(4) To remove any doubt, it is declared that a person\nmay make a request under this section even if the\nperson—\n(a) is the applicant for an environmental\nauthority for the code-managed ERA; or\nNote—\nSee also section 318ZS.\n(b) holds an environmental authority approving\nthe code-managed ERA; or\nNote—\nSee also section 318ZT.\n(c) has given the administering authority a\nwritten notice mentioned in section\n318ZU(1)(b)(ii) or 318ZY(1)(b)(ii) in\nrelation to the code-managed ERA.\n318ZN Joint request for registration\n(1) A person (the principal) may make a request\nunder section 318ZM for the registration of the\nprincipal and 1 or more other persons (the others)\nunder this part in relation to the code-managed\nERA if—\n(a) the principal is the principal applicant for an\napplication for an environmental authority\nfor the code-managed ERA made jointly by\nthe principal and the others; or\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 83\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 73]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(b) the principal and the others jointly hold an\nenvironmental authority for the\ncode-managed ERA.\n(2) If a request under section 318ZM is made as\nmentioned in subsection (1)—\n(a) the administering authority must—\n(i) register the principal and the others\nunder this part in relation to the\ncode-managed ERA; and\n(ii) give the principal written notice of the\nregistration of the principal and the\nothers; and\n(b) for applying this Act, the principal and the\nothers are all taken to have requested\nregistration in relation to the code-managed\nERA under section 318ZM.\n318ZO Notice of ceasing to carry out\ncode-managed ERA\n(1) This section applies if a person registered under\nthis part in relation to the code-managed ERA\nproposes to stop, or stops, carrying out the activity\non a day (the end day).\n(2) The person must give the administering authority\nnotice, in the approved form, of the person no\nlonger carrying out the code-managed ERA from\nthe end day—\n(a) at least 30 days before the end day; or\n(b) if the end day is less than 30 days after the\nday the person decides to stop carrying out\nthe activity on the end day—as soon as\npracticable but no later than 10 business\ndays after the end day.\nMaximum penalty—50 penalty units.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 84\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 73]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n318ZP Term of registration\nA person’s registration under this part in relation\nto the code-managed ERA continues in effect\nuntil any of the following happens—\n(a) the person gives the administering authority\na notice under section 318ZO and the later\nof the following days ends—\n(i) the end day stated in the notice;\n(ii) the day the notice is given;\n(b) the administering authority otherwise\nbecomes aware the person has stopped\ncarrying out the code-managed ERA and\ngives the person a written notice stating that\nthe person’s registration has ended;\n(c) the person is issued an environmental\nauthority that approves the code-managed\nERA.\nPart 2 Transitioning to\nrelevant ERA code\nDivision 1 Preliminary\n318ZQ Purpose of part\nThe purpose of this part is to provide for persons\nwho have applied for, or hold, an environmental\nauthority for a code-managed ERA to transition to\ncarrying out the code-managed ERA under the\nrelevant ERA code instead of an environmental\nauthority.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n\nPage 85\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 73]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nDivision 2 Code-managed ERAs for\nwhich registration required\n318ZR Application of division\nThis division applies in relation to a\ncode-managed ERA to which part 1 applies.\n318ZS Withdrawal of application for environmental\nauthority if applicant requests registration\n(1) This section applies if a person who has applied\nfor an environmental authority for the\ncode-managed ERA requests registration in\nrelation to the code-managed ERA under section\n318ZM before the application is decided.\n(2) The person’s application for the environmental\nauthority for the code-managed ERA is taken to\nhave been withdrawn.\n(3) The administering authority must refund to the\nperson any fee paid for the application for the\nenvironmental authority for the code-managed\nERA.\n(4) If the person’s application for an environmental\nauthority relates to the code-managed ERA and\nother environmentally relevant activities—\n(a) subsection (2) applies only to the extent the\napplication relates to the code-managed\nERA; and\n(b) subsection (3) does not apply in relation to\nthe application.\n318ZT Surrender of environmental authority if\nholder requests registration\n(1) This section applies if a person who holds an\nenvironmental authority that approves the\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 86\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 73]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\ncode-managed ERA requests registration in\nrelation to the code-managed ERA under section\n318ZM.\n(2) When the person is registered under part 1 in\nrelation to the code-managed ERA—\n(a) the environmental authority stops applying\nin relation to the code-managed ERA; and\n(b) the person is taken to have surrendered—\n(i) the environmental authority; or\n(ii) if the environmental authority also\napplies to 1 or more other\nenvironmentally relevant\nactivities—the part of the\nenvironmental authority applying to\nthe code-managed ERA.\nNote—\nSee section 435A for the requirement to comply with\nthe relevant ERA code when carrying out a\ncode-managed ERA other than under an environmental\nauthority.\n(3) The administering authority must, as soon as\npracticable—\n(a) record the surrender of the environmental\nauthority, or the part of the environmental\nauthority, in the relevant register; and\n(b) give the person written notice of the\nsurrender; and\n(c) refund to the person any amount required to\nbe refunded for the environmental authority\nunder section 318ZZ.\n318ZU Surrender of environmental authority on\nholder’s deemed registration\n(1) This section applies if—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0009","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 9","content":"Page 87\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 73]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(a) a person holds an environmental authority\nthat approves the code-managed ERA when\nthe first ERA code for the code-managed\nERA takes effect; and\n(b) the person does not, within 12 months after\nthe first ERA code takes effect—\n(i) request registration in relation to the\ncode-managed ERA under section\n318ZM; or\n(ii) give the administering authority a\nwritten notice stating that the person\nintends to continue carrying out the\ncode-managed ERA under the\nenvironmental authority.\n(2) However, this section does not apply if—\n(a) the person’s environmental authority is for\nan ERA project; or\n(b) a development permit for a material change\nof use of premises is necessary under the\nPlanning Act for the code-managed ERA; or\n(c) the person’s environmental authority was\nissued for a site-specific or variation\napplication.\n(3) On the day that is 12 months after the first ERA\ncode takes effect—\n(a) the person is taken to be registered under\npart 1 in relation to the code-managed ERA;\nand\n(b) the environmental authority stops applying\nin relation to the code-managed ERA; and\n(c) the person is taken to have surrendered—\n(i) the environmental authority; or\n(ii) if the environmental authority also\napplies to 1 or more other\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n\nPage 88\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 73]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nenvironmentally relevant\nactivities—the part of the\nenvironmental authority applying to\nthe code-managed ERA.\nNote—\nSee section 435A for the requirement to comply with\nthe relevant ERA code when carrying out a\ncode-managed ERA other than under an environmental\nauthority.\n(4) The administering authority must, as soon as\npracticable—\n(a) record in the relevant register—\n(i) the person’s registration under part 1 in\nrelation to the code-managed ERA; and\n(ii) the surrender of the environmental\nauthority, or the part of the\nenvironmental authority; and\n(b) give the person written notice of the\nregistration and the surrender; and\n(c) refund to the person any amount required to\nbe refunded for the environmental authority\nunder section 318ZZ, after deducting any\nregistration fee prescribed for the\nregistration under section 318ZM(2)(b).\n(5) If the registration fee mentioned in subsection\n(4)(c) is higher than the amount required to be\nrefunded for the environmental authority under\nsection 318ZZ, the person must, within 20\nbusiness days after receiving a notice under\nsubsection (4), pay the amount of the difference to\nthe administering authority.\nDivision 3 Other code-managed\nERAs\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 89\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 73]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n318ZV Application of division\nThis division applies in relation to a\ncode-managed ERA if—\n(a) an ERA code is in effect for the activity; and\n(b) part 1 does not apply in relation to the\nactivity.\n318ZW Withdrawal of application for environmental\nauthority if applicant gives notice\n(1) A person who has applied for an environmental\nauthority for the code-managed ERA may, before\nthe application is decided, give the administering\nauthority a written notice stating that the person\nintends to carry out the code-managed ERA under\nthe ERA code.\n(2) If the administering authority receives a written\nnotice under subsection (1)—\n(a) the person’s application for the\nenvironmental authority for the\ncode-managed ERA is taken to have been\nwithdrawn; and\n(b) the administering authority must refund to\nthe person any fee paid for the application\nfor the environmental authority for the\ncode-managed ERA.\n(3) If the person’s application for an environmental\nauthority relates to the code-managed ERA and\nother environmentally relevant activities—\n(a) subsection (2)(a) applies only to the extent\nthe application relates to the code-managed\nERA; and\n(b) subsection (2)(b) does not apply in relation\nto the application.\n(4) If the application for the environmental authority\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 90\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 73]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nwas made jointly by 2 or more applicants—\n(a) the principal applicant may give the notice\nmentioned in subsection (1) for all\napplicants for the application; and\n(b) the administering authority may comply\nwith subsection (2)(b) by refunding the fee\nto the principal applicant.\n318ZX Surrender of environmental authority if\nholder gives notice\n(1) A person who holds an environmental authority\nthat approves the code-managed ERA may give\nthe administering authority a written notice\nstating that the person intends to carry out the\ncode-managed ERA under the ERA code.\n(2) If the administering authority receives a written\nnotice under subsection (1)—\n(a) the environmental authority stops applying\nin relation to the code-managed ERA; and\n(b) the person is taken to have surrendered—\n(i) the environmental authority; or\n(ii) if the environmental authority also\napplies to 1 or more other\nenvironmentally relevant\nactivities—the part of the\nenvironmental authority applying to\nthe code-managed ERA.\nNote—\nSee section 435A for the requirement to comply with\nthe relevant ERA code when carrying out a\ncode-managed ERA other than under an environmental\nauthority.\n(3) The administering authority must, as soon as\npracticable—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 91\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 73]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(a) record the surrender of the environmental\nauthority, or the part of the environmental\nauthority, in the relevant register; and\n(b) give the person written notice of the\nsurrender; and\n(c) refund to the person any amount required to\nbe refunded for the environmental authority\nunder section 318ZZ.\n318ZY Surrender of environmental authority on\nholder’s deemed decision\n(1) This section applies if—\n(a) a person holds an environmental authority\nthat approves the code-managed ERA when\nthe first ERA code for the code-managed\nERA takes effect; and\n(b) the person does not, within 12 months after\nthe first ERA code takes effect, give the\nadministering authority—\n(i) a written notice stating that the person\nintends to carry out the code-managed\nERA under the ERA code; or\n(ii) a written notice stating that the person\nintends to continue carrying out the\ncode-managed ERA under the\nenvironmental authority.\n(2) However, this section does not apply if—\n(a) the person’s environmental authority is for\nan ERA project; or\n(b) a development permit for a material change\nof use of premises is necessary under the\nPlanning Act for the code-managed ERA; or\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 92\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 73]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(c) the person’s environmental authority was\nissued for a site-specific or variation\napplication.\n(3) On the day that is 12 months after the first ERA\ncode takes effect—\n(a) the person is taken to have decided to carry\nout the code-managed ERA under the ERA\ncode; and\n(b) the environmental authority stops applying\nin relation to the code-managed ERA; and\n(c) the person is taken to have surrendered—\n(i) the environmental authority; or\n(ii) if the environmental authority also\napplies to 1 or more other\nenvironmentally relevant\nactivities—the part of the\nenvironmental authority applying to\nthe code-managed ERA.\nNote—\nSee section 435A for the requirement to comply with\nthe relevant ERA code when carrying out a\ncode-managed ERA other than under an environmental\nauthority.\n(4) The administering authority must, as soon as\npracticable—\n(a) record the surrender of the environmental\nauthority, or the part of the environmental\nauthority, in the relevant register; and\n(b) give the person written notice of the\nsurrender; and\n(c) refund to the person any amount required to\nbe refunded for the environmental authority\nunder section 318ZZ.\n(5) For applying this Act, the person is taken to have\ngiven the administering authority a written notice,\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n35\n\nPage 93\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 73]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\non the day mentioned in subsection (3), stating the\nperson intends to carry out the code-managed\nERA under the ERA code.\nDivision 4 Other provision\n318ZZ Amount refundable on surrender\n(1) This section applies if—\n(a) an environmental authority that approves a\ncode-managed ERA is taken to have been\nsurrendered or partially surrendered under a\nprovision of this part; and\n(b) an annual fee was paid under this Act for the\nenvironmental authority for a 12-month\nperiod in which the surrender happens; and\n(c) either—\n(i) the environmental authority is wholly\nsurrendered; or\n(ii) the environmental authority is partially\nsurrendered and the annual fee paid for\nthe authority for the 12-month period is\nhigher than the annual fee that would\nhave been payable for the authority for\nthe 12-month period if the authority\nhad not approved the code-managed\nERA.\n(2) The administering authority must refund the\nrelevant annual fee amount to the person who is\ntaken to have surrendered or partially surrendered\nthe environmental authority.\n(3) The relevant annual fee amount is the proportion\nof the following amount that is attributable to the\nremaining part of the 12-month period in which\nthe surrender happens—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 94\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 74]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(a) for an environmental authority that is\nwholly surrendered—the annual fee paid for\nthe authority for the 12-month period;\n(b) for an environmental authority that is\npartially surrendered—the difference\nbetween the annual fee paid for the authority\nfor the 12-month period and the annual fee\nthat would have been payable for the\nauthority for the 12-month period if the\nauthority had not approved the\ncode-managed ERA.\n74 Amendment of s 319 (General environmental duty)\nSection 319(3)(b)(ii), ‘code of practice’—\nomit, insert—\nGED code\n75 Amendment of s 320A (Application of div 2)\nSection 320A(4)(g)—\nomit, insert—\n(g) an ERA code; or\n76 Amendment of s 330 (What is a transitional\nenvironmental program)\nSection 330(1)(c)(iii)—\nomit, insert—\n(iii) an ERA code; or\n77 Amendment of s 331 (Requirements for applications\ngenerally)\n(1) Section 331(2)(e), from ‘, a development’ to ‘mining\nactivity’—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\nClause 12\n13\n14\n15\nClause 16\n17\n18\n19\nClause 20\n21\n22\n23\n24\nClause 25\n26\n27\n28\n\nPage 95\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 78]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nomit, insert—\nor a development condition\n(2) Section 331(2)—\ninsert—\n(ea) if the activity is to transition to comply with\nan ERA code, state—\n(i) details of the ERA code; and\n(ii) how the activity is to transition to\ncomply with the ERA code before the\nprogram ends; and\n(3) Section 331(2)(ea) to (h)—\nrenumber as section 331(2)(f) to (i).\n78 Amendment of s 332 (Administering authority may\nrequire particular entities to apply for issue of program)\nSection 332(2)(ca)—\nomit, insert—\n(ca) that an ERA code is, or has been,\ncontravened by the person or public\nauthority; or\n79 Amendment of s 346 (Effect of compliance with program)\nSection 346(2)(e) and (3)(e)—\nomit, insert—\n(e) an ERA code; or\n80 Amendment of s 359 (Meaning of enforcement ground)\nSection 359(e)(iv)—\nomit, insert—\n(iv) an ERA code; or\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\nClause 13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\nClause 20\n21\n22\n23\nClause 24\n25\n26\n27\n\nPage 96\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 81]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n81 Amendment of s 426 (Environmental authority required\nfor particular environmentally relevant activities)\nSection 426(2)(a) and (b)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) an agricultural ERA that is not also a\ngeneral ERA; or\nNote—\nSee section 82 for the requirement to comply with an\nagricultural ERA standard when carrying out an\nagricultural ERA.\n(b) a code-managed ERA if the person—\n(i) for a code-managed ERA that may be\ncarried out under the relevant ERA\ncode only by a person who is registered\nunder chapter 6, part 1—is registered\nunder chapter 6, part 1 in relation to the\ncode-managed ERA; or\n(ii) for another code-managed ERA—has\ngiven the administering authority a\nwritten notice stating the person\nintends to carry out the code-managed\nERA under the relevant ERA code; or\nNote—\nSee section 435A for the requirement to comply with\nthe relevant ERA code when carrying out a\ncode-managed ERA other than under an environmental\nauthority.\n82 Replacement of ch 8, pt 2A (Offences relating to\nconditions)\nChapter 8, part 2A—\nomit, insert—\nPart 2A Offences relating to\ncode-managed ERAs\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\nClause 28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 97\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 83]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n435A Offence to contravene relevant ERA code\n(1) This section applies to a person who carries out a\ncode-managed ERA.\n(2) However, this section does not apply if the person\nholds, or is acting under, an environmental\nauthority for the code-managed ERA.\n(3) The person must not wilfully contravene the\nrelevant ERA code.\nMaximum penalty—1,665 penalty units.\n(4) The person must not contravene the relevant ERA\ncode.\nMaximum penalty—600 penalty units.\n(5) In a proceeding for an offence against subsection\n(3), if the court is not satisfied the defendant is\nguilty of the offence charged but is satisfied the\ndefendant is guilty of an offence against\nsubsection (4), the court may find the defendant\nguilty of the offence against subsection (4).\n83 Amendment of s 452 (Entry of place—general)\nSection 452(1)(g)—\nomit, insert—\n(g) it is a place at which a code-managed ERA\nis carried out under the relevant ERA code\nand the entry is made when—\n(i) the activity is being carried out; or\n(ii) the place is open for conduct of\nbusiness; or\n(iii) the place is otherwise open for entry; or\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\nClause 19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n\nPage 98\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 84]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n84 Amendment of s 458 (Order to enter land to conduct\ninvestigation or conduct work)\n(1) Section 458(1)(a)(iii)(A), ‘agricultural ERA standard,’—\nomit.\n(2) Section 458(1)(a)(iii)(C)—\nomit, insert—\n(C) an ERA code; or\n(D) an agricultural ERA standard; or\n85 Amendment of s 493A (When environmental harm or\nrelated acts are unlawful)\n(1) Section 493A(2)(f)—\nomit, insert—\n(f) an ERA code; or\n(2) Section 493A(5)(a), ‘code of practice’—\nomit, insert—\nGED code\n(3) Section 493A(5)(b), ‘code’—\nomit, insert—\nGED code\n86 Amendment of s 540 (Registers to be kept by\nadministering authority)\nSection 540(1)—\ninsert—\n(ac) persons registered under chapter 6, part 1 in\nrelation to code-managed ERAs;\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\nClause 9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\nClause 20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n\nPage 99\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 87]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n87 Amendment of s 540A (Registers to be kept by chief\nexecutive)\n(1) Section 540A(1)(b)(iii)—\nomit.\n(2) Section 540A(1)(b)(iv) to (vii)—\nrenumber as section 540A(1)(b)(iii) to (vi).\n(3) Section 540A(1)—\ninsert—\n(ba) GED codes;\n(bb) ERA codes;\n(4) Section 540A(1)(ba) to (f)—\nrenumber as section 540A(1)(c) to (h).\n88 Insertion of new ch 12, pt 1A, div 1, hdg\nChapter 12, part 1A, before section 551—\ninsert—\nDivision 1 Making codes of practice\nfor general environmental\nduty\n89 Amendment of s 551 (Codes of practice)\n(1) Section 551, heading—\nomit, insert—\n551 Code of practice for general environmental\nduty\n(2) Section 551(1), from ‘Minister’ to ‘practice’—\nomit, insert—\nchief executive may make a code of practice (a\nGED code)\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\nClause 13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\nClause 19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0010","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 10","content":"Page 100\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 90]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(3) Section 551(2), from ‘code of’ to ‘Minister’—\nomit, insert—\nGED code, the chief executive\n(4) Section 551(3) and (4)—\nomit, insert—\n(3) A GED code made under subsection (1) takes\neffect on the day it is approved by a regulation.\n90 Insertion of new ch 12, pt 1A, divs 2 and 3\nAfter section 551—\ninsert—\nDivision 2 Making codes of practice\nfor code-managed ERAs\n551A Chief executive may make code of practice\nfor code-managed ERA\n(1) The chief executive may make a code of practice\nfor a code-managed ERA (an ERA code).\n(2) The purpose of an ERA code is to provide for the\ncode-managed ERA to which it relates to be\ncarried out without an environmental authority\nwhile ensuring the activity is carried out in a way\nthat is consistent with the object of this Act.\n(3) An ERA code may include a condition about\ncarrying out the code-managed ERA to which it\nrelates, including, for example, a condition\nabout—\n(a) preventing or minimising the release of\ncontaminants into the environment when the\nactivity is carried out; or\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\nClause 8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n\nPage 101\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 90]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(b) rehabilitating or remediating environmental\nharm caused by the carrying out of the\nactivity; or\n(c) notifying the administering authority of any\nenvironmental harm caused by the carrying\nout of the activity.\n551B Notice of proposed ERA code\n(1) Before the chief executive makes an ERA code,\nthe chief executive must publish the following on\nthe department’s website—\n(a) a copy of the proposed ERA code;\n(b) a notice stating—\n(i) that a person may make a submission\nto the chief executive about the\nproposed ERA code; and\n(ii) the period, of at least 30 business days,\n(the consultation period) during which\na submission may be made; and\n(iii) how to make a submission; and\n(iv) that, after the proposed ERA code\ntakes effect, the code-managed ERA to\nwhich the code relates may or must, in\nparticular circumstances, be carried out\nunder the code instead of an\nenvironmental authority.\n(2) The chief executive must ensure the documents\nmentioned in subsection (1) are published on the\ndepartment’s website throughout the consultation\nperiod.\n(3) The chief executive must give written notice\nabout the proposed ERA code to each holder of a\nrelevant existing authority that is in effect\nimmediately before the consultation period starts.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 102\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 90]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(4) A notice under subsection (3) must state—\n(a) that the chief executive proposes to make an\nERA code that will apply to activities\napproved by the holder’s relevant existing\nauthority; and\n(b) details of how chapter 6 will apply in\nrelation to the holder after the proposed\nERA code takes effect; and\n(c) details of the department’s website address;\nand\n(d) that the holder may make a submission to\nthe chief executive about the proposed ERA\ncode during the consultation period.\n(5) In this section—\nrelevant existing authority, in relation to a\nproposed ERA code, means an environmental\nauthority that approves the code-managed ERA to\nwhich the proposed ERA code relates.\n551C Consideration of submissions\nThe chief executive must consider all submissions\nmade during the consultation period mentioned in\nsection 551B(1)(b)(ii) before deciding whether to\nmake the ERA code.\n551D Approval of ERA code by regulation\nAn ERA code takes effect—\n(a) when it is approved by a regulation; or\n(b) if the regulation approving the ERA code\nstates a later day—on the later day.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n\nPage 103\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 91]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nDivision 3 Other provisions about\ncodes of practice\n551E Minor amendments\n(1) The chief executive may make a minor\namendment of a GED code or ERA code by\npublishing a copy of the amended code on the\ndepartment’s website.\nNote—\nAn amendment of a GED code or ERA code other than\na minor amendment is made by the making of a new\nGED code or ERA code.\n(2) The amended GED code or ERA code takes effect\nwhen it is approved by a regulation.\n(3) In this section—\nminor amendment, of a GED code or ERA code,\nmeans an amendment of the code—\n(a) to change a title or department name; or\n(b) to correct a spelling or grammatical error; or\n(c) to change terminology that has no effect on\nthe operation of the code; or\n(d) to make another change the chief executive\nis satisfied is not a change of substance.\n551F Publication\nThe chief executive must publish a copy of each\nGED code or ERA code in effect under this part\non the department’s website.\n91 Omission of s 707 (Deferment of application of s 426 to\nnewly prescribed ERAs)\nSection 707—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\nClause 27\n28\n29\n\nPage 104\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 92]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nomit.\n92 Amendment of s 710 (References to former terms)\nSection 710(1)—\ninsert—\nNote—\nSee also section 859.\n93 Insertion of new ch 13, pt 35, div 3\nChapter 13, part 35, as inserted by this Act—\ninsert—\nDivision 3 Transitional provisions for\namendments commencing\nby proclamation\nSubdivision 1 Small scale mining\nactivities\n850 Definitions for subdivision\nIn this subdivision—\ncorresponding ERA code condition, for a\nprescribed condition for a small scale mining\nactivity, means the condition of an ERA code that\ncorresponds, or substantially corresponds, to the\nprescribed condition.\nprescribed condition, for a small scale mining\nactivity, means a prescribed condition under\nformer section 21A for the activity.\nsurety, for a small scale mining activity, means a\nsurety given under the Mineral and Energy\nResources (Financial Provisioning) Act 2018 by\n1\nClause 2\n3\n4\n5\n6\nClause 7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n\nPage 105\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 93]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nthe holder of a mining tenure for the activity, as\nrequired by former section 21A(2).\ntransitional environmental program, for a small\nscale mining activity, means a transitional\nenvironmental program detailing the transition of\nan activity to comply with a prescribed condition\nfor the activity.\n851 Unamended Act continues to apply for\nparticular period\n(1) This section applies in relation to a small scale\nmining activity that, immediately before the\ncommencement, was being carried out other than\nunder an environmental authority.\n(2) The unamended Act continues to apply in relation\nto the person carrying out the small scale mining\nactivity, as if the amendment Act had not been\nenacted, until the first of the following events\nhappens—\n(a) the activity is a code-managed ERA and the\nperson—\n(i) for a code-managed ERA that may be\ncarried out under the relevant ERA\ncode only by a person who is registered\nunder new chapter 6, part 1—is\nregistered under new chapter 6, part 1\nin relation to the code-managed ERA;\nor\n(ii) for another code-managed\nERA—gives the administering\nauthority a written notice stating the\nperson intends to carry out the\ncode-managed ERA under the relevant\nERA code;\n(b) the small scale mining activity is approved\nby an environmental authority;\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n35\n\nPage 106\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 93]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(c) the period of 12 months after the\ncommencement ends.\n(3) For applying the unamended Act under\nsubsection (2)—\n(a) each prescribed condition that applied to the\nsmall scale mining activity immediately\nbefore the commencement continues to be a\nprescribed condition applying to the\nactivity; and\n(b) the Mineral and Energy Resources\n(Financial Provisioning) Act 2018, as in\nforce immediately before the\ncommencement, continues to apply in\nrelation to a surety for the small scale\nmining activity as if the amendment Act had\nnot been enacted.\n(4) This section is not limited by any other provision\nof this subdivision.\nNote—\nSee also the Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial\nProvisioning) Act 2018, section 110.\n852 Offences against former s 435A\n(1) This section applies in relation to an offence—\n(a) committed by a person, before the\ncommencement, against former section\n435A; or\n(b) committed by a person, after the\ncommencement, against former section\n435A as continued under section 851.\n(2) A proceeding for the offence may be continued or\nstarted, and the person may be convicted of and\npunished for the offence, as if the amendment Act\nhad not been enacted.\n(3) A reference in subsection (2) to a proceeding for\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n\nPage 107\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 93]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nthe offence includes a reference to action by way\nof an infringement notice under the State\nPenalties Enforcement Act 1999 and, for that\npurpose, the State Penalties Enforcement\nRegulation 2014 as in force before the\ncommencement continues to apply.\n(4) Subsections (2) and (3)—\n(a) do not limit the Acts Interpretation Act\n1954, section 20; and\n(b) apply despite the Criminal Code, section 11.\n853 Exception, exemption or defence if acting\nunder a prescribed condition\n(1) This section applies in relation to a person who—\n(a) before the commencement, carried out a\nsmall scale mining activity in compliance\nwith a prescribed condition for the activity;\nor\n(b) after the commencement, carries out a small\nscale mining activity in compliance with a\nprescribed condition for the activity as\nprovided under section 851.\n(2) An exception, exemption or defence under the\nunamended Act that may have been claimed by a\nperson carrying out the small scale mining\nactivity in compliance with the prescribed\ncondition continues to apply to the person\ncarrying out the activity in compliance with the\ncondition.\n854 Environmental enforcement order for\ncompliance with a prescribed condition\n(1) This section applies in relation to—\n(a) an environmental enforcement order—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 108\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 93]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(i) issued under this Act before the\ncommencement in relation to securing\ncompliance with a prescribed condition\nfor carrying out a small scale mining\nactivity; and\n(ii) in effect immediately before the\ncommencement; or\n(b) an environmental enforcement order issued\nunder this Act after the commencement in\nrelation to securing compliance with a\nprescribed condition for carrying out a small\nscale mining activity as continued under\nsection 851.\n(2) The environmental enforcement order continues\nin effect despite the repeal of former sections 21A\nand 435A and the amendment of former chapter 7,\npart 5 by the amendment Act.\n855 Existing application for transitional\nenvironmental program\n(1) This section applies to an application for the issue\nof a transitional environmental program for a\nsmall scale mining activity made but not decided\nbefore the commencement.\n(2) The administering authority must decide the\napplication under the unamended Act.\n(3) For subsection (2), the unamended Act continues\nto apply in relation to the application as if it had\nnot been amended by the amendment Act.\n(4) If the administering authority approves the\napplication and, at the time of the approval, the\nperson is carrying out the small scale mining\nactivity under the unamended Act as provided\nunder section 851—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 109\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 93]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(a) the unamended Act continues to apply in\nrelation to the transitional environmental\nprogram while the person carries out the\nsmall scale mining activity under the\nunamended Act as provided under section\n851; and\n(b) if the person starts to carry out the small\nscale mining activity under the relevant\nERA code—the administering authority\nmust amend the transitional environmental\nprogram to apply to the corresponding ERA\ncode condition for the prescribed condition\nto which the program relates.\n(5) If the administering authority approves the\napplication and, at the time of the approval, the\nperson is carrying out the small scale mining\nactivity under the relevant ERA code, the\nadministering authority must amend the\ntransitional environmental program to apply to\nthe corresponding ERA code condition for the\nprescribed condition to which the program relates.\n(6) If neither subsection (4) nor (5) applies in relation\nto the person carrying out the small scale mining\nactivity, the administering authority must review\nthe terms of the transitional environmental\nprogram and make any amendments the\nadministering authority considers appropriate to\nallow the program to continue under this Act.\n856 Existing transitional environmental program\n(1) A transitional environmental program for a small\nscale mining activity that was in effect\nimmediately before the commencement continues\nin effect despite the amendment of section 330 by\nthe amendment Act.\n(2) If, on the commencement, the person is carrying\nout the small scale mining activity under the\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n35\n36\n\nPage 110\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 93]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nunamended Act as provided under section 851—\n(a) the unamended Act continues to apply in\nrelation to the transitional environmental\nprogram while the person carries out the\nsmall scale mining activity under the\nunamended Act as provided under section\n851; and\n(b) if the person starts to carry out the small\nscale mining activity under the relevant\nERA code—the administering authority\nmust amend the transitional environmental\nprogram to apply to the corresponding ERA\ncode condition for the prescribed condition\nto which the program relates.\n(3) If, on the commencement, the person is carrying\nout the small scale mining activity under the\nrelevant ERA code, the administering authority\nmust amend the transitional environmental\nprogram to apply to the corresponding ERA code\ncondition for the prescribed condition to which\nthe program relates.\n(4) If neither subsection (2) nor (3) applies in relation\nto the person carrying out the small scale mining\nactivity, the administering authority must review\nthe terms of the transitional environmental\nprogram and make any amendments the\nadministering authority considers appropriate to\nallow the program to continue under this Act.\n857 Recovery of costs and expenses for\ncompliance action\n(1) This section applies if, in taking action to secure\ncompliance with a prescribed condition for a\nsmall scale mining activity for which a surety has\nbeen given, the administering authority, or the\nState—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n35\n\nPage 111\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 93]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(a) incurred costs and expenses before the\ncommencement; or\n(b) incurs costs and expenses after the\ncommencement because of the operation of\nsection 851.\n(2) Former chapter 5, part 14, division 3 continues to\napply in relation to the costs and expenses as if the\namendment Act had not been enacted.\nNote—\nSee also the Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial\nProvisioning) Act 2018, section 110.\nSubdivision 2 Other matters\n858 Existing codes of practice\n(1) This section applies to a code of practice made by\nthe Minister under former section 551 that was in\neffect immediately before the commencement.\n(2) The code of practice continues in effect under this\nAct as if it were a GED code made by the chief\nexecutive, and approved by a regulation, under\nnew section 551.\n859 References to environmentally relevant\nactivities or ERA projects\n(1) From the commencement, a reference in an\ninstrument to a term mentioned in column 1 of the\nfollowing table may, if the context requires or\npermits, be taken to be a reference to the term\nmentioned in column 2—\nColumn 1 Column 2\nprescribed ERA general ERA\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0011","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 11","content":"Page 112\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 93]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\n(2) Also, from the commencement, section 710\napplies as follows—\n(a) subsection (1) applies to a reference in\ncolumn 2 of the table in section 710;\n(b) the reference to prescribed conditions for a\nsmall scale mining activity in column 2 of\nitem 13 of the table in section 710 may, if\nthe context requires or permits, be taken to\nbe a reference to—\n(i) prescribed conditions for a small scale\nmining activity as continued under\nsection 851; or\n(ii) the conditions of an ERA code for a\nsmall scale mining activity that\ncorrespond, or substantially\ncorrespond, to the prescribed\nconditions.\n860 Effect of change in particular terms\n(1) A change from a term mentioned in column 1 of\nthe table in section 859(1) to a term mentioned in\ncolumn 2 of the table does not affect—\n(a) an environmental authority that is in effect\non the commencement; or\n(b) the application of chapter 11, part 3 to a\ndecision made before the commencement.\n(2) Subsection (1)(b) applies despite the amendment\nprescribed ERA project general ERA project\nresource activity resource ERA\nresource project resource ERA project\nrelevant resource activity relevant resource ERA\nColumn 1 Column 2\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n\nPage 113\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 94]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nof schedule 2 by the amendment Act.\n94 Amendment of sch 2 (Original decisions)\nSchedule 2, part 1, division 4, entry for section\n318YN(1)(b)—\nomit, insert—\n95 Amendment of sch 4 (Dictionary)\n(1) Schedule 4, definitions code of practice, geothermal activity,\nGHG storage activity, mining activity, petroleum activity,\nprescribed condition, prescribed ERA, prescribed ERA\nproject, relevant resource activity, resource activity, resource\nproject and small scale mining tenure—\nomit.\n(2) Schedule 4—\ninsert—\ncode-managed ERA means an environmentally\nrelevant activity declared to be a code-managed\nERA under section 20.\nERA code see section 551A(1).\nGED code see section 551(1).\ngeneral ERA means an activity prescribed as an\nenvironmentally relevant activity (general) under\nsection 19.\ngeneral ERA project see section 112.\ngeothermal activity means an activity that is an\nauthorised activity for a geothermal tenure under\nthe Geothermal Act.\n318YN(1)(b) imposition of 1 or more non-standard recognition\nconditions on recognition of an accreditation program\nfor an agricultural ERA\n1\nClause 2\n3\n4\n5\nClause 6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n\nPage 114\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 95]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 2 Amendment of Environmental Protection Act 1994\nGHG storage activity means an activity that is an\nauthorised activity for a GHG authority under the\nGHG storage Act.\nmining activity means—\n(a) an activity that is an authorised activity for a\nmining tenement under the Mineral\nResources Act; or\n(b) another activity that is authorised under an\napproval under the Mineral Resources Act\nthat grants rights over land.\npetroleum activity means—\n(a) an activity that is an authorised activity for a\n1923 Act petroleum tenure under the\nPetroleum Act 1923; or\n(b) an activity that is an authorised activity for a\npetroleum authority under the P&G Act; or\n(c) exploring for, exploiting or conveying\npetroleum resources under a licence, permit,\npipeline licence, primary licence, secondary\nlicence or special prospecting authority\ngranted under the Petroleum (Submerged\nLands) Act 1982.\nrelevant ERA code, for a code-managed ERA,\nmeans the ERA code in effect for the\ncode-managed ERA.\nrelevant resource ERA means—\n(a) for an environmental authority for a\nresource ERA—a resource ERA the subject\nof the authority; or\n(b) for an application for an environmental\nauthority for a resource ERA—a resource\nERA the subject of the application; or\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 115\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 96]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 3 Amendment of Forestry Act 1959\n(c) for a PRC plan or proposed PRC plan—the\nrelevant activities to be carried out on land\nthe subject of the plan.\nresource activity means an activity that\ninvolves—\n(a) a geothermal activity; or\n(b) a GHG storage activity; or\n(c) a mining activity; or\n(d) a petroleum activity.\nresource ERA means an activity prescribed as an\nenvironmentally relevant activity (resource)\nunder section 19.\nresource ERA project see section 112.\nsignificant environmental value see section 9A.\n(3) Schedule 4, definition standard conditions, paragraph (a),\nafter ‘standard’—\ninsert—\nother than an agricultural ERA standard\nPart 3 Amendment of Forestry Act\n1959\n96 Act amended\nThis part amends the Forestry Act 1959.\nNote—\nSee also the amendments in schedule 1, part 2.\n97 Insertion of new s 22\nAfter section 21—\ninsert—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\nClause 21\n22\n23\n24\nClause 25\n26\n27\n\nPage 116\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 98]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 3 Amendment of Forestry Act 1959\n22 Approved forms\nThe chief executive may approve forms for use\nunder this Act, other than for use under part 6E.\nNote—\nSee section 61RU(2)(a) allowing the registrar of titles to\napprove forms for use under part 6E.\n98 Amendment of s 35 (Granting of permit for land within\nState forest or timber reserve)\n(1) Section 35(1)(a) to (d)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) a permit to occupy (an occupation permit)\nfor a term fixed by the chief executive; or\n(b) a permit to camp (a camping permit) for a\nterm fixed by the chief executive that is not\nlonger than 30 days; or\n(c) a permit to graze stock (a stock grazing\npermit) for a term fixed by the chief\nexecutive that is not longer than 10 years; or\n(d) a permit for an apiary site (an apiary permit)\nfor a term fixed by the chief executive; or\n(e) a permit to conduct a commercial activity\nother than getting forest products (a\ncommercial activity permit) for a term fixed\nby the chief executive that is not longer\nthan—\n(i) if the permit is to be granted as part of a\nsingle integrated permission with a\npermission under the Marine Parks Act\n2004 (a marine permission)—the term\nof the marine permission; or\n(ii) otherwise—5 years; or\n(f) a permit to conduct an organised event (an\norganised event permit) for a term fixed by\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\nClause 7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 117\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 99]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 3 Amendment of Forestry Act 1959\nthe chief executive that is not longer than 1\nyear.\nNote—\nSee section 38 in relation to single integrated\npermissions.\n(2) Section 35—\ninsert—\n(1A) Subsection (1) does not limit the power of the\nchief executive to grant another permit, licence or\nauthority, or enter into a lease, agreement or\ncontract, under another provision of this Act that\npermits an activity mentioned in subsection (1).\nNote—\nSee, for example, section 56.\n(3) Section 35(2), from ‘, other than’ to ‘forest reserve,’—\nomit.\n(4) Section 35(3) and (7)—\nomit.\n(5) Section 35(4), ‘(1) to (3)’—\nomit, insert—\n(1) to (2A)\n99 Insertion of new s 38\nAfter section 37—\ninsert—\n38 Single integrated permission\n(1) This section applies if—\n(a) a person is applying for a commercial\nactivity permit or an organised event permit;\nand\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\nClause 22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 118\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 100]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 3 Amendment of Forestry Act 1959\n(b) the chief executive is aware the person has\napplied for, or has been granted, 1 or more\nrelated permissions for the permit.\n(2) The chief executive may—\n(a) consider any matter about the related\npermissions that the chief executive\nconsiders relevant for granting the\ncommercial activity permit or organised\nevent permit; and\n(b) subject to section 35(1), grant the permit for\nthe same term as any 1 of the related\npermissions; and\n(c) combine the permit into 1 document with\nthe related permissions (together a single\nintegrated permission).\n(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the chief executive\nexercising any other power or performing any\nother function under this Act, including\nconsidering any matter the chief executive must\nor may have regard to.\n100 Amendment of s 40B (Amending conditions of permit)\n(1) Section 40B(2)(a)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) to provide for the health or safety of a\nperson or protect a person’s property; or\n(aa) to minimise risk to, or safeguard the health\nof, a person because of a fire or natural\ndisaster; or\n(2) Section 40B(2)—\ninsert—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\nClause 21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 119\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 101]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 3 Amendment of Forestry Act 1959\n(e) because the chief executive is aware a\nrelated permission for the permit has been,\nor is about to be—\n(i) amended to an extent that the\npermission is no longer consistent with\nthe permit; or\n(ii) replaced with another permission that\nis not consistent with the permit; or\n(iii) suspended or cancelled.\n(3) Section 40B(2)(aa) to (e)—\nrenumber as section 40B(2)(b) to (f).\n101 Omission of s 40D (Combined commercial activity\npermits)\nSection 40D—\nomit.\n102 Insertion of new pt 4, div 3\nPart 4—\ninsert—\nDivision 3 Commercial activity\nagreements\n41 Chief executive may enter into commercial\nactivity agreement for State forest or timber\nreserve\n(1) The chief executive may, for the State, enter into\nan agreement (a commercial activity agreement)\nwith a person authorising the conduct of a\ncommercial activity, other than getting forest\nproducts, in a State forest or timber reserve.\n(2) The chief executive may enter into the\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\nClause 12\n13\n14\n15\nClause 16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 120\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 102]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 3 Amendment of Forestry Act 1959\ncommercial activity agreement by using any\nprocess the chief executive considers suitable for\nthe type of activity proposed to be conducted\nunder the agreement.\n(3) The commercial activity agreement may be\ncombined with a commercial activity agreement\nentered into with the person under any of the\nfollowing Acts—\n(a) the Marine Parks Act 2004;\n(b) the Nature Conservation Act 1992;\n(c) the Recreation Areas Management Act\n2006.\n(4) This section does not limit the power of the chief\nexecutive to enter into an agreement under\nanother provision of this Act.\nNote—\nSee part 6, division 3 for additional provisions about\nagreements.\n42 Content of agreement\n(1) A commercial activity agreement must be in\nwriting and include each of the following\ndetails—\n(a) the name of the State forest or timber\nreserve to which the agreement applies;\n(b) the day the agreement is entered into;\n(c) the term of the agreement;\n(d) the name of the person with whom the\nagreement is entered into;\n(e) if the person is a corporation—the ABN or\nACN of the corporation;\n(f) the person’s place of business;\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 121\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 102]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 3 Amendment of Forestry Act 1959\n(g) the activities authorised under the\nagreement;\n(h) any conditions of the agreement;\n(i) the amount payable to the State under the\nagreement or a way of working out the\namount.\n(2) Subsection (1) does not limit the matters that may\nbe included in the commercial activity agreement.\n(3) The parties to the commercial activity agreement\nmay, by agreement, amend the agreement at any\ntime.\n42A Term and review of agreements\n(1) A commercial activity agreement must not be for\na term longer than 15 years from the day the\nagreement takes effect.\n(2) The commercial activity agreement may allow for\nthe term of the agreement to be extended at any\ntime but the term of the agreement must not at any\ntime be longer than 15 years.\n(3) The commercial activity agreement may also\nprovide for—\n(a) a review of the agreement to be conducted at\nstated intervals; and\n(b) the matters to be considered on the review.\n42B Authorisation under agreement\n(1) A commercial activity agreement authorises a\nparty to the agreement, other than the chief\nexecutive, to conduct the commercial activity in\nthe State forest or timber reserve as stated in the\nagreement, subject to the stated conditions.\n(2) The authorisation of a party under the commercial\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 122\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 103]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 3 Amendment of Forestry Act 1959\nactivity agreement may be transferred to another\nperson, if permitted under the terms of the\nagreement.\n103 Amendment of s 56 (Permits etc.)\n(1) Section 56(1), ‘to extend’—\nomit, insert—\nto amend or extend\n(2) Section 56(1), ‘or made or extended’—\nomit, insert—\nor made, amended or extended\n(3) Section 56(2), ‘granted or made if’—\nomit, insert—\ngranted, made, amended or extended if\n(4) Section 56(5), ‘extension’—\nomit, insert—\namendment or extension\n104 Amendment of s 73B (Commercial activities)\n(1) Section 73B(1)—\nomit, insert—\n(1) A person must not conduct a commercial activity\nin relation to a State forest or timber reserve.\nMaximum penalty—165 penalty units.\n(2) Section 73B(2)(c)—\nomit, insert—\n(c) filming or photography that involves no\nmore than 10 people and does not involve\n1\n2\n3\nClause 4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\nClause 17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n\nPage 123\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 104]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 3 Amendment of Forestry Act 1959\nthe construction or use of prescribed\nequipment; or\n(3) Section 73B—\ninsert—\n(5) This section does not apply in relation to getting\nforest products.\nNote—\nSee section 39 about interfering with forest products on\nState forests or timber reserves.\n(6) In this section—\ndrone means a device capable of flight—\n(a) that is able to be remotely piloted or\nprogrammed to autonomously fly a\nparticular route; and\n(b) that is not capable of transporting a person.\nprescribed equipment—\n(a) means a structure or equipment for\nfacilitating filming or photography; and\n(b) includes a building, drone, generator,\nplatform, shelter, tower or vehicle for\nfacilitating filming or photography; and\n(c) does not include—\n(i) a camera or camera accessories; or\n(ii) a tripod; or\n(iii) a portable hide large enough to shelter\nonly 1 person; or\n(iv) a power source consisting of only dry\ncells or a single wet cell battery; or\n(v) a vehicle used only for transport or\ncamping as authorised under this Act\nor the Recreation Areas Management\nAct 2006.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 124\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 105]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 3 Amendment of Forestry Act 1959\n105 Amendment of s 73C (Organised events)\n(1) Section 73C(1)(a), example, ‘an activity’—\nomit, insert—\nanother activity\n(2) Section 73C(1), examples—\nomit, insert—\nExamples of activities that may be organised events—\na showcase of historical vehicles, a trail run, training\nexercises conducted by the Australian Defence Force\n(3) Section 73C(2)(c), ‘an authority’—\nomit, insert—\nan organised event permit or another authority\n(4) Section 73C(3), definition non-commercial activity, ‘under\nsection 73B(1)’—\nomit.\n106 Amendment of s 96B (Delegation by chief\nexecutive—State plantation forests)\nSection 96B(1), ‘35(1)(a), (c) or (d) and (2)’—\nomit, insert—\n35(1) and (2) (other than 35(1)(b)), 41(1),\n107 Insertion of new pt 10, div 7\nPart 10—\ninsert—\nDivision 7 Transitional provision for\nEnvironmental Protection\n(Efficiency and\nStreamlining) and Other\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\nClause 16\n17\n18\n19\n20\nClause 21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0012","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 12","content":"Page 125\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 107]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 3 Amendment of Forestry Act 1959\nLegislation Amendment\nAct 2025\n151 Existing permits\n(1) This section applies to the following permits and\nagreements in effect immediately before the\ncommencement—\n(a) a permit under the former Act to conduct a\ncommercial activity, other than getting\nforest products, in a State forest or timber\nreserve;\n(b) an agreement under the former Act to\nconduct a commercial activity, other than\ngetting forest products, in a State forest or\ntimber reserve;\n(c) a permit under the former Act to conduct an\nactivity that was an organised event\nmentioned in former section 73C(1).\n(2) From the commencement—\n(a) a permit mentioned in subsection (1)(a) is\ntaken to be a commercial activity permit\nunder the new Act; and\n(b) an agreement mentioned in subsection\n(1)(b) is taken to be a commercial activity\nagreement under the new Act; and\n(c) a permit mentioned in subsection (1)(c) is\ntaken to be an organised event permit under\nthe new Act.\n(3) Each permit or agreement—\n(a) is subject to any conditions or terms that\napplied to the permit or agreement\nimmediately before the commencement; and\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 126\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 108]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 3 Amendment of Forestry Act 1959\n(b) may be amended, extended, transferred,\nsuspended, cancelled or surrendered under\nthe new Act.\n(4) If, immediately before the commencement, the\npermit or agreement was suspended under the\nformer Act, the permit or agreement continues to\nbe suspended under the new Act.\n(5) In this section—\nformer, in relation to a provision of the Act,\nmeans the provision as in force from time to time\nbefore the commencement.\nnew Act means the Act as in force from the\ncommencement.\n108 Amendment of sch 3 (Dictionary)\n(1) Schedule 3, definitions apiary permits, approved form,\ncamping permit, commercial activity permit, occupation\npermits and stock grazing permits—\nomit.\n(2) Schedule 3—\ninsert—\napiary permit see section 35(1)(d).\napproved form—\n(a) for part 6E—means a form approved under\nsection 61RU(2)(a); or\n(b) otherwise—means a form approved under\nsection 22.\ncamping permit see section 35(1)(b).\ncommercial activity, in relation to a State forest or\ntimber reserve, means—\n(a) an activity that is conducted for gain in, over\nor adjacent to the forest or reserve; or\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\nClause 14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 127\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 109]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 4 Amendment of Geothermal Energy Act 2010\n(b) an activity that is advertising or promoting\nthe use of the forest or reserve for gain.\nExamples—\n1 a guided tour, scenic flight or cruise in, over or\nadjacent to a State forest or timber reserve\n2 filming or advertising a State forest or timber\nreserve to sell a product or promote a tour, scenic\nflight, tourist facility or resort\ncommercial activity agreement see section 41(1).\ncommercial activity permit see section 35(1)(e).\noccupation permit see section 35(1)(a).\norganised event see section 73C(1).\norganised event permit see section 35(1)(f).\nrelated permission, for a commercial activity\npermit or an organised event permit, means—\n(a) a permission under the Marine Parks Act\n2004 for an activity or purpose similar to the\npermit; or\n(b) a commercial activity permit or an\norganised event permit under the Nature\nConservation Act 1992; or\n(c) a commercial activity permit or an\norganised event permit under the Recreation\nAreas Management Act 2006.\nsingle integrated permission see section 38(2)(c).\nstock grazing permit see section 35(1)(c).\nPart 4 Amendment of Geothermal\nEnergy Act 2010\n109 Act amended\nThis part amends the Geothermal Energy Act 2010.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\nClause 29\n30\n\nPage 128\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 110]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 4 Amendment of Geothermal Energy Act 2010\nNote—\nSee also the amendments in schedule 1, part 2.\n110 Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary)\n(1) Schedule 2, definitions relevant environmental authority and\nrelevant environmental condition—\nomit.\n(2) Schedule 2—\ninsert—\nenvironmental authority means an\nenvironmental authority under the Environmental\nProtection Act.\nERA code means an ERA code under the\nEnvironmental Protection Act.\nrelevant environmental authority, for a\ngeothermal tenure or proposed geothermal tenure,\nmeans an environmental authority issued for\nactivities that are—\n(a) authorised or to be authorised under the\ngeothermal tenure or proposed geothermal\ntenure; and\n(b) activities for which an environmental\nauthority is required under the\nEnvironmental Protection Act.\nrelevant environmental condition, for a\nprovision about a geothermal tenure or proposed\ngeothermal tenure, means—\n(a) a condition of any relevant environmental\nauthority for the geothermal tenure or\nproposed geothermal tenure; or\n(b) if any of the activities authorised or to be\nauthorised under the geothermal tenure or\nproposed geothermal tenure are carried out\n1\n2\nClause 3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 129\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 111]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 5 Amendment of Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2009\nunder an ERA code—a condition of the\nERA code that applies to the carrying out of\nthe activities.\nPart 5 Amendment of Greenhouse\nGas Storage Act 2009\n111 Act amended\nThis part amends the Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2009.\nNote—\nSee also the amendments in schedule 1, part 2.\n112 Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary)\n(1) Schedule 2, definitions relevant environmental authority and\nrelevant environmental condition—\nomit.\n(2) Schedule 2—\ninsert—\nenvironmental authority means an\nenvironmental authority under the Environmental\nProtection Act.\nERA code means an ERA code under the\nEnvironmental Protection Act.\nrelevant environmental authority, for a GHG\nauthority or proposed GHG authority, means an\nenvironmental authority issued for activities that\nare—\n(a) authorised or to be authorised under the\nGHG authority or proposed GHG authority;\nand\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\nClause 6\n7\n8\n9\nClause 10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n\nPage 130\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 113]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 6 Amendment of Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Act 2018\n(b) activities for which an environmental\nauthority is required under the\nEnvironmental Protection Act.\nrelevant environmental condition, for a\nprovision about a GHG authority or proposed\nGHG authority, means—\n(a) a condition of any relevant environmental\nauthority for the GHG authority or proposed\nGHG authority; or\n(b) if any of the activities authorised or to be\nauthorised under the GHG authority or\nproposed GHG authority are carried out\nunder an ERA code—a condition of the\nERA code that applies to the carrying out of\nthe activities.\nPart 6 Amendment of Mineral and\nEnergy Resources (Financial\nProvisioning) Act 2018\n113 Act amended\nThis part amends the Mineral and Energy Resources\n(Financial Provisioning) Act 2018.\nNote—\nSee also the amendments in schedule 1, part 2.\n114 Amendment of s 3 (Main purposes)\n(1) Section 3(b), from ‘or small’ to ‘or tenure’—\nomit, insert—\ndoes not comply with the holder’s obligations\nunder the authority\n(2) Section 3(c), ‘or small scale mining tenure’—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\nClause 19\n20\n21\n22\n23\nClause 24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 131\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 115]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 6 Amendment of Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Act 2018\nomit.\n115 Amendment of s 5 (Relationship with Environmental\nProtection Act 1994)\nSection 5(2), ‘or small scale mining tenure’—\nomit.\n116 Amendment of s 6 (Act does not affect other rights or\nremedies)\nSection 6(4), ‘or small scale mining tenure’—\nomit.\n117 Amendment of s 25 (Cash surety account)\nSection 25(1) and (3), ‘or small scale mining tenure’—\nomit.\n118 Amendment of s 53 (Application of subdivision)\nSection 53(i)—\nomit.\n119 Amendment of s 55 (Holder must give surety)\n(1) Section 55(1)—\nomit, insert—\n(1) The holder of the authority must give a surety for\nthe authority in a form approved by the scheme\nmanager under section 56.\nNote—\nThe holder of the authority must not carry out, or allow\nthe carrying out of, a resource ERA under the authority\nunless the holder has given the surety—see the\n1\nClause 2\n3\n4\n5\nClause 6\n7\n8\n9\nClause 10\n11\n12\nClause 13\n14\n15\nClause 16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n\nPage 132\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 120]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 6 Amendment of Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Act 2018\nEnvironmental Protection Act 1994, sections 297 and\n430.\n(2) Section 55(2)(d)—\nomit.\n120 Amendment of s 55A (When surety must be given)\n(1) Section 55A(10)—\nomit.\n(2) Section 55A(11)—\nrenumber as section 55A(10).\n121 Amendment of s 58 (Release of surety)\nSection 58(3), ‘, or small scale mining tenure,’—\nomit.\n122 Amendment of s 59 (Notification of administering\nauthority)\nSection 59, ‘or small scale mining tenure’—\nomit.\n123 Amendment of s 61 (Administration fee for particular\nsureties)\n(1) Section 61(1)(b)—\nomit.\n(2) Section 61(1)(c), ‘or small scale mining tenure’—\nomit.\n(3) Section 61(1)(c)—\nrenumber as section 61(1)(b).\n(4) Section 61(3)(a), ‘or (b)’—\n1\n2\n3\n4\nClause 5\n6\n7\n8\n9\nClause 10\n11\n12\nClause 13\n14\n15\n16\nClause 17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n\nPage 133\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 124]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 6 Amendment of Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Act 2018\nomit.\n(5) Section 61(3)(b), ‘(1)(c)’—\nomit, insert—\n(1)(b)\n124 Amendment of s 67 (Requesting entity may ask for\nrealisation of surety)\nSection 67(2)(c), ‘or small scale mining tenure’—\nomit.\n125 Amendment of s 69 (Replenishment of surety)\nSection 69(1)(b), (2) and (3), ‘or small scale mining tenure’—\nomit.\n126 Insertion of new pt 7, div 3\nPart 7—\ninsert—\nDivision 3 Transitional provision for\nEnvironmental Protection\n(Efficiency and\nStreamlining) and Other\nLegislation Amendment\nAct 2025\n110 Release of surety provided for small scale\nmining tenure\n(1) This section applies in relation to—\n(a) a surety given by the holder of a small scale\nmining tenure under part 3, division 2 as in\n1\n2\n3\n4\nClause 5\n6\n7\n8\nClause 9\n10\n11\nClause 12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n\nPage 134\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 126]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 6 Amendment of Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Act 2018\nforce from time to time before the\ncommencement; and\n(b) a surety given by the holder of a small scale\nmining tenure under part 3, division 2,\nincluding a replenishment under section 69,\nafter the commencement because of the\noperation of the Environmental Protection\nAct 1994, section 851.\n(2) The scheme manager must release the surety to\nthe holder as soon as practicable after—\n(a) the commencement; or\n(b) if, on the commencement, the holder is\ncarrying out the small scale mining activity\nas provided under the Environmental\nProtection Act 1994, section 851—the event\nmentioned in section 851(2)(a), (b) or (c) of\nthat Act happens.\n(3) However, the scheme manager may release the\nsurety to the holder only if—\n(a) there is no existing claim for the surety; and\n(b) the scheme manager is satisfied there is no\npotential claim for the surety.\n(4) Without limiting subsection (3)(b), the scheme\nmanager may be satisfied there is no potential\nclaim for the surety if the chief executive\n(environment) gives the scheme manager a notice\nstating the chief executive (environment) will not\nbe making a claim for the surety.\n(5) In this section—\nclaim, for a surety, means a request under the\nEnvironmental Protection Act 1994, section\n316D(2)(b) for the payment of costs and expenses\nby the scheme manager making a claim on or\nrealising the surety.\nexisting claim, for a surety, means a claim for the\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n35\n\nPage 135\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 127]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 7 Amendment of Mineral Resources Act 1989\nsurety that has been made but not finally dealt\nwith.\npotential claim, for a surety, means a claim for the\nsurety that has not been made but may be made\nunder the Environmental Protection Act 1994,\nsection 857.\nsmall scale mining activity see the Environmental\nProtection Act 1994, schedule 4.\nsmall scale mining tenure means a mining\ntenure, within the meaning of the Environmental\nProtection Act 1994, for a small scale mining\nactivity.\n127 Amendment of sch 1 (Dictionary)\nSchedule 1, definition small scale mining tenure—\nomit.\nPart 7 Amendment of Mineral\nResources Act 1989\n128 Act amended\nThis part amends the Mineral Resources Act 1989.\nNote—\nSee also the amendments in schedule 1, part 1.\n129 Amendment of s 25 (Conditions of prospecting permit)\nSection 25(5), from ‘prescribed condition’—\nomit, insert—\nrelevant environmental condition for the\nprospecting permit.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\nClause 13\n14\n15\n16\n17\nClause 18\n19\n20\n21\nClause 22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n\nPage 136\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 130]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 7 Amendment of Mineral Resources Act 1989\n130 Amendment of s 74 (Grant of mining claim to which no\nobjection is lodged)\nSection 74(2)(c)—\nomit, insert—\n(c) if the proposed mining claim is to authorise\nrelevant resource ERAs—an environmental\nauthority for the relevant resource ERAs has\nbeen issued.\n131 Amendment of s 334ZV (Deciding application for water\nmonitoring authority)\nSection 334ZV(2)—\nomit, insert—\n(2) However, if the water monitoring authority is to\nauthorise relevant resource ERAs, the water\nmonitoring authority must not be granted unless\nan environmental authority for the relevant\nresource ERAs has been issued.\nNote—\nIf the application relates to acquired land, see also\nsection 10AAC.\n132 Amendment of s 344 (Definitions for part)\n(1) Section 344—\ninsert—\ncode-managed ERA see the Environmental\nProtection Act, schedule 4.\nformer mining claim or lease means a mining\nclaim or mining lease that was but is no longer in\nforce.\n(2) Section 344, definition abandoned mine site, paragraph (c)—\nomit, insert—\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\nClause 9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\nClause 21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 137\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 133]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 7 Amendment of Mineral Resources Act 1989\n(c) for which no environmental authority is in\nforce for activities mentioned in paragraph\n(a) that were carried out under a former\nmining claim or lease; and\n(d) that is not a place at which a code-managed\nERA is being carried out, under an ERA\ncode, for activities mentioned in paragraph\n(a) that were carried out under a former\nmining claim or lease.\n(3) Section 344, definition final rehabilitation site, ‘mining claim\nor mining lease that is no longer in force’—\nomit, insert—\nformer mining claim or lease\n(4) Section 344, definition final rehabilitation site, paragraph\n(a)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) either of the following applies—\n(i) an environmental authority or PRCP\nschedule is in force for the mining\nactivities that were carried out under\nthe former mining claim or lease;\n(ii) a code-managed ERA is being carried\nout, under an ERA code, for the mining\nactivities that were carried out under\nthe former mining claim or lease; and\n133 Amendment of s 344B (Meaning of rehabilitation activity)\n(1) Section 344B—\ninsert—\n(1A) Also, a rehabilitation activity for a final\nrehabilitation site is an activity that the person\ncarrying out a code-managed ERA, under an ERA\ncode, for the mining activities that were carried\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\nClause 26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0013","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 13","content":"Page 138\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 134]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 7 Amendment of Mineral Resources Act 1989\nout on the site would be required to carry out to\ncomply with rehabilitation conditions for the\ncode-managed ERA.\n(2) Section 344B(2)—\ninsert—\nrehabilitation condition, for a code-managed\nERA carried out under an ERA code, means a\ncondition of the ERA code about rehabilitating or\nremediating environmental harm caused by the\ncarrying out of the code-managed ERA under the\nERA code.\n(3) Section 344B(1A) and (2)—\nrenumber as section 344B(2) and (3).\n134 Amendment of s 344D (Authorisation to carry out\nrehabilitation activities on final rehabilitation site)\n(1) Section 344D(1), from ‘the holder’ to ‘PRCP schedule’—\nomit, insert—\na relevant person\n(2) Section 344D(3) and (4), ‘holder’—\nomit, insert—\nrelevant person\n(3) Section 344D—\ninsert—\n(5) In this section—\nrelevant person, for mining activities that were\ncarried out on a final rehabilitation site, means—\n(a) if an environmental authority or PRCP\nschedule is in force for the mining\nactivities—the holder of the authority or\nschedule; or\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\nClause 14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 139\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 135]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 7 Amendment of Mineral Resources Act 1989\n(b) if a code-managed ERA is being carried out\nunder an ERA code for the mining\nactivities—the person carrying out the\ncode-managed ERA.\n135 Amendment of s 345 (Compensation)\n(1) Section 345(1), ‘The holder of an environmental authority’—\nomit, insert—\nA relevant person\n(2) Section 345(1)(a), ‘holder’—\nomit, insert—\nrelevant person\n136 Amendment of s 348 (Liability for payment of\ncompensation to native title holders)\nSection 348(2), ‘holder of the environmental authority’—\nomit, insert—\nrelevant person\n137 Amendment of s 391A (Restriction on decisions or\nrecommendations about mining tenements)\n(1) Section 391A(1)(a), ‘, other than a mining tenement for small\nscale mining activities’—\nomit, insert—\nthat authorises or is to authorise a relevant\nresource ERA\n(2) Section 391A(1)(b), ‘, other than a mining tenement for small\nscale mining activities,’—\nomit, insert—\nthat authorises or is to authorise a relevant\nresource ERA\n1\n2\n3\n4\nClause 5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\nClause 12\n13\n14\n15\n16\nClause 17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n\nPage 140\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 138]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 7 Amendment of Mineral Resources Act 1989\n(3) Section 391A(6)—\nomit.\n138 Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary)\n(1) Schedule 2, definition relevant environmental condition—\nomit.\n(2) Schedule 2—\ninsert—\ncode-managed ERA, for chapter 13, part 4, see\nsection 344.\nERA code means an ERA code under the\nEnvironmental Protection Act.\nformer mining claim or lease, for chapter 13, part\n4, see section 344.\nrelevant environmental authority, for a mining\ntenement, means an environmental authority\nissued for activities that are—\n(a) authorised or to be authorised under the\nmining tenement; and\n(b) relevant resource ERAs.\nrelevant environmental condition, for a mining\ntenement, means—\n(a) a condition of any relevant environmental\nauthority for the mining tenement; or\n(b) if any of the activities authorised or to be\nauthorised under the mining tenement are\ncarried out under an ERA code—a condition\nof the ERA code that applies to the carrying\nout of the activities.\nrelevant resource ERA means a resource ERA\nunder the Environmental Protection Act for which\nan environmental authority is required under that\n1\n2\nClause 3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 141\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 139]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 8 Amendment of Nature Conservation Act 1992\nAct.\n(3) Schedule 2, definition mining project, after ‘resource’—\ninsert—\nERA\nPart 8 Amendment of Nature\nConservation Act 1992\n139 Act amended\nThis part amends the Nature Conservation Act 1992.\n140 Amendment of s 127A (Functions of conservation\nofficers)\nSection 127A(1)(a), after ‘this Act’—\ninsert—\nand a relevant planning provision\n141 Amendment of s 144 (Power to stop and search vehicles\netc.)\nSection 144(1), (8) and (9), after ‘this Act’—\ninsert—\nor a relevant planning provision\n142 Amendment of s 145 (Entry and search—monitoring\ncompliance)\nSection 145(1), after ‘this Act’—\ninsert—\nor a relevant planning provision\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\nClause 7\n8\nClause 9\n10\n11\n12\n13\nClause 14\n15\n16\n17\n18\nClause 19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n\nPage 142\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 143]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 8 Amendment of Nature Conservation Act 1992\n143 Amendment of s 146 (Entry and search—evidence of\noffences)\n(1) Section 146(1), after ‘this Act’—\ninsert—\nor a relevant planning provision\n(2) Section 146(2)(b), after ‘this Act’—\ninsert—\nor another Act\n144 Amendment of s 148 (Monitoring warrants)\nSection 148(2), after ‘this Act’—\ninsert—\nor a relevant planning provision\n145 Amendment of s 149 (Offence related warrants)\nSection 149(2), after ‘this Act’—\ninsert—\nor a relevant planning provision\n146 Amendment of s 151 (Conservation officer may require\nname and address)\nSection 151(1) and (6)(a), after ‘this Act’—\ninsert—\nor a relevant planning provision\n147 Amendment of s 152 (Power to require information from\ncertain persons)\nSection 152(1)(a), after ‘this Act’—\ninsert—\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\nClause 9\n10\n11\n12\nClause 13\n14\n15\n16\nClause 17\n18\n19\n20\n21\nClause 22\n23\n24\n25\n\nPage 143\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 148]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 9 Amendment of Petroleum Act 1923\nor a relevant planning provision\n148 Amendment of s 159B (Court may order compensation)\nSection 159B(2)(b), after ‘this Act’—\ninsert—\nor a relevant planning provision\n149 Amendment of schedule (Dictionary)\n(1) Schedule, definition protected area—\nomit.\n(2) Schedule—\ninsert—\nprotected area—\n(a) for part 4, division 2—see section 28; or\n(b) otherwise—means a protected area of a\nclass mentioned in section 14.\nrelevant planning provision means a provision of\nthe Planning Act 2016 to the extent an offence\nagainst the provision relates to protected wildlife\nor its habitat.\nPart 9 Amendment of Petroleum Act\n1923\n150 Act amended\nThis part amends the Petroleum Act 1923.\nNote—\nSee also the amendments in schedule 1, part 1.\n1\nClause 2\n3\n4\n5\nClause 6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\nClause 21\n22\n23\n24\n\nPage 144\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 151]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 9 Amendment of Petroleum Act 1923\n151 Amendment of s 2 (Definitions)\n(1) Section 2, definition relevant environmental authority—\nomit.\n(2) Section 2—\ninsert—\nenvironmental authority means an\nenvironmental authority under the Environmental\nProtection Act.\nrelevant environmental authority, for a 1923 Act\npetroleum tenure, means an environmental\nauthority issued for activities that are—\n(a) authorised under the tenure; and\n(b) activities for which an environmental\nauthority is required under the\nEnvironmental Protection Act.\n152 Amendment of s 75WC (Deciding application for water\nmonitoring authority)\nSection 75WC(2)—\nomit, insert—\n(2) However, if the water monitoring authority is to\nauthorise activities for which an environmental\nauthority is required under the Environmental\nProtection Act, the water monitoring authority\nmust not be granted unless an environmental\nauthority for the activities has been issued.\n153 Amendment of s 157 (Environmental conditions prevail)\n(1) Section 157(4), definition relevant environmental\nconditions—\nomit.\n(2) Section 157(4)—\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\nClause 16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\nClause 26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 145\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 154]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 10 Amendment of Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004\ninsert—\nrelevant environmental condition, for a 1923 Act\npetroleum tenure, means—\n(a) a condition of any relevant environmental\nauthority for the tenure; or\n(b) if any of the activities authorised under the\ntenure are carried out under an ERA code\nunder the Environmental Protection Act—a\ncondition of the ERA code that applies to\nthe carrying out of the activities.\nPart 10 Amendment of Petroleum and\nGas (Production and Safety)\nAct 2004\n154 Act amended\nThis part amends the Petroleum and Gas (Production and\nSafety) Act 2004.\nNote—\nSee also the amendments in schedule 1.\n155 Amendment of s 799C (Meaning of abandoned operating\nplant)\n(1) Section 799C(1)(a)—\ninsert—\n(iv) that is not being used to carry out an activity\nunder an ERA code; or\n(2) Section 799C(1)(b)—\ninsert—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\nClause 14\n15\n16\n17\n18\nClause 19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n\nPage 146\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 156]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 10 Amendment of Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004\n(iv) that is not a place, or part of a place, at\nwhich an activity is being carried out under\nan ERA code; or\n(3) Section 799C(1)(c)—\ninsert—\n(iv) that is not being carried out under an ERA\ncode; or\n156 Amendment of sch 2 (Dictionary)\n(1) Schedule 2, definitions relevant environmental authority and\nrelevant environmental condition—\nomit.\n(2) Schedule 2—\ninsert—\nenvironmental authority means an\nenvironmental authority under the Environmental\nProtection Act.\nERA code means an ERA code under the\nEnvironmental Protection Act.\nrelevant environmental authority, for a\npetroleum authority, means an environmental\nauthority issued for activities that are—\n(a) authorised or to be authorised under the\npetroleum authority; and\n(b) activities for which an environmental\nauthority is required under the\nEnvironmental Protection Act.\nrelevant environmental condition, for a\npetroleum authority, means—\n(a) a condition of any relevant environmental\nauthority for the petroleum authority; or\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\nClause 8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 147\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 157]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\n(b) if any of the activities authorised or to be\nauthorised under the petroleum authority are\ncarried out under an ERA code—a condition\nof the ERA code that applies to the carrying\nout of the activities.\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation\nAreas Management Act 2006\n157 Act amended\nThis part amends the Recreation Areas Management Act\n2006.\nNote—\nSee also the amendments in schedule 1, part 2.\n158 Amendment of s 35 (Terms of permits)\n(1) Section 35(2)(d)—\nomit, insert—\n(d) for a commercial activity permit—\n(i) if the permit is to be granted as part of a\nsingle integrated permission with a\npermission under the Marine Parks Act\n2004 (a marine permission)—the term\nof the marine permission; or\n(ii) if the permit is to form part of a GBR\nregion permit—the term of the\npermission under the Great Barrier\nReef Marine Park Act 1975 (Cwlth)\nforming part of the permit; or\n(iii) otherwise—5 years.\n(2) Section 35(2)—\ninsert—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\nClause 8\n9\n10\n11\n12\nClause 13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 148\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 159]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\nNote—\nSee section 55A in relation to GBR region permits and\nsection 55L in relation to single integrated permissions.\n159 Replacement of s 55A (Form of commercial activity\npermit)\nSection 55A—\nomit, insert—\n55A Combining permit with Great Barrier Reef\nMarine Park region permission\n(1) With the agreement of the Commonwealth, the\nchief executive may combine a commercial\nactivity permit into 1 document with—\n(a) a permission under the Great Barrier Reef\nMarine Park Act 1975 (Cwlth); or\n(b) both a permission under the Marine Parks\nAct 2004 and a permission under the Great\nBarrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Cwlth).\n(2) A commercial activity permit and permission\ncombined under subsection (1) are together a\nGBR region permit.\n160 Omission of pt 4, div 5A (Transfer of particular\ncommercial activity permits)\nPart 4, division 5A—\nomit.\n161 Insertion of new pt 4, div 5, sdiv 3\nPart 4, division 5—\ninsert—\nSubdivision 3 Transferring commercial\nactivity permits\n1\n2\n3\nClause 4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\nClause 21\n22\n23\n24\nClause 25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 149\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 161]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\n55F Commercial activity permit transferable\nA commercial activity permit is transferable,\nincluding a commercial activity permit that is part\nof a single integrated permission or GBR region\npermit.\n55G Application to transfer permit\n(1) The holder of a commercial activity permit and a\nproposed transferee may apply to the chief\nexecutive to transfer the permit to the transferee.\n(2) The application must be—\n(a) in the approved form; and\n(b) given to the chief executive at least 20\nbusiness days before the day on which the\ntransfer is intended to take effect; and\n(c) accompanied by the fee prescribed by\nregulation for the transfer.\n(3) An application may not be made to transfer a\ncommercial activity permit that has been\nsuspended.\n55H Considering transfer application\n(1) In considering an application to transfer a\ncommercial activity permit, the chief executive\nmust have regard to the following matters—\n(a) whether the proposed transferee is a suitable\nperson to hold the permit;\n(b) whether there is adequate insurance cover\nfor the activities proposed to be conducted\nunder the permit;\n(c) whether the holder of the permit, or the\nproposed transferee, owes any fee or other\namount payable under—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 150\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 161]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\n(i) this Act; or\n(ii) if the permit is part of a single\nintegrated permission or GBR region\npermit—a related Act;\n(d) all matters relevant to ensuring the orderly\nand proper management of the recreation\narea to which the permit applies.\n(2) However, subsection (1)(b) does not apply if the\nchief executive considers insurance cover is not\nrequired having regard to the nature of the\nproposed activities.\n(3) For considering whether the proposed transferee\nis a suitable person under subsection (1)(a), the\nchief executive may—\n(a) inquire about, and have regard to, the\nmatters mentioned in section 50(3) in\nrelation to the transferee; and\n(b) have regard to whether any of the grounds\nmentioned in section 53(3) apply in relation\nthe transferee.\n(4) For subsection (3), sections 50(3) and (4) and\n53(3) apply as if a reference in those sections to\nthe applicant were a reference to the transferee.\n55I Chief executive’s power to require further\ninformation\n(1) Before deciding an application to transfer a\ncommercial activity permit, the chief executive\nmay, by notice, ask the holder of the permit or the\nproposed transferee to give the chief executive\nany further information the chief executive\nreasonably requires to decide the application.\n(2) The holder and proposed transferee are taken to\nhave withdrawn the application if the request is\nnot complied with within a reasonable period, of\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n\nPage 151\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 161]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\nat least 20 business days, stated in the notice.\n(3) The chief executive may extend the period within\nwhich the information must be given.\n55J Deciding transfer application\n(1) The chief executive must decide an application to\ntransfer a commercial activity permit within 20\nbusiness days after the chief executive—\n(a) receives the application; or\n(b) if the chief executive has asked for further\ninformation under section 55I—receives the\ninformation.\n(2) The chief executive may approve the transfer of\nthe commercial activity permit only if the chief\nexecutive is satisfied—\n(a) the proposed transferee is a suitable person\nto hold the permit; and\n(b) the holder of the permit, or the proposed\ntransferee, does not owe any fee or other\namount payable under—\n(i) this Act; or\n(ii) if the permit is part of a single\nintegrated permission or GBR region\npermit—a related Act.\n(3) If the chief executive refuses to approve the\ntransfer, the chief executive must give the holder\nof the commercial activity permit and the\nproposed transferee an information notice about\nthe decision.\n55K Steps after approval of transfer\n(1) This section applies if the chief executive decides\nto approve the transfer of a commercial activity\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0014","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 14","content":"Page 152\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 161]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\npermit under section 55J.\n(2) The chief executive must cancel the existing\ncommercial activity permit and give the proposed\ntransferee a new commercial activity permit—\n(a) authorising the same activities as the\ncancelled permit immediately before the\npermit was cancelled under this section; and\n(b) with a term—\n(i) starting on the later of the following\ndays (the transfer day)—\n(A) the day the application is decided;\n(B) the day stated in the application\nfor the approval of the transfer as\nthe day on which the transfer is to\ntake effect; and\n(ii) ending on the day the cancelled permit\nwould have ended if the permit were\nnot cancelled under this section; and\n(c) subject to the same conditions as the\ncancelled permit immediately before the\npermit was cancelled under this section.\n(3) Despite subsection (2)(c), the chief executive\nmay impose a new or different condition on the\nnew commercial activity permit if—\n(a) the proposed transferee consents to the new\nor different condition; or\n(b) it is a condition that provides for an\nindemnity for the State against any liability\nfor loss or damage that is suffered by any\nperson and is caused, whether directly or\nindirectly, by the activities conducted under\nthe permit; or\n(c) it is a condition that provides for the\ncompensation or reimbursement of any loss\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n\nPage 153\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 162]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\nor expense incurred by the State in relation\nto activities conducted under the permit.\n(4) For a single integrated permission or GBR region\npermit, subsections (2) and (3) apply only to the\npart of the permit that is a commercial activity\npermit under this Act.\n162 Insertion of new s 55L\nBefore section 56—\ninsert—\n55L Single integrated permission\n(1) This section applies if—\n(a) a person is applying for a commercial\nactivity permit or an organised event permit;\nand\n(b) the chief executive is aware the person has\napplied for, or has been granted, 1 or more\nrelated permissions for the permit.\n(2) The chief executive may—\n(a) consider any matter about the related\npermissions that the chief executive\nconsiders relevant for granting the\ncommercial activity permit or organised\nevent permit; and\n(b) subject to section 35(2), grant the permit for\nthe same term as any 1 of the related\npermissions; and\n(c) combine the permit into 1 document with\nthe related permissions (together a single\nintegrated permission).\n(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the chief executive\nexercising any other power or performing any\nother function under this Act, including\nconsidering any matter the chief executive must\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\nClause 7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 154\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 163]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\nor may have regard to.\n163 Amendment of s 63 (Other amendments (other than\nimmediately))\n(1) Section 63(1)(a) to (d)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) if an activity to which the permit applies is\ndeclared, after the grant of the permit, to be\na prescribed commercial activity; or\n(b) if the chief executive reasonably believes—\n(i) for a permit that is part of a single\nintegrated permission—a related\npermission for the permit has been, or\nis about to be—\n(A) amended to an extent that is no\nlonger consistent with the permit;\nor\n(B) replaced with another permit or\npermission that is not consistent\nwith the permit; or\n(C) suspended or cancelled; or\n(ii) for a permit that is part of a GBR\nregion permit—a permission under a\nGBR region Act forming part of the\npermit has been, or is about to be—\n(A) amended to an extent that is no\nlonger consistent with the permit;\nor\n(B) replaced with another permission\nthat is not consistent with the\npermit; or\n(C) suspended or cancelled; or\n1\nClause 2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 155\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 164]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\n(iii) the amendment is necessary to ensure\nfair and equitable access to the\nrecreation area to which the permit\napplies; or\n(iv) the amendment is otherwise necessary,\nhaving regard to—\n(A) the purpose of, or a requirement\nunder, this Act; or\n(B) if the permit is part of a single\nintegrated permission or GBR\nregion permit—a requirement\nunder a related Act; or\n(c) to ensure the health or safety of a person or\nprotect a person’s property; or\n(2) Section 63(1)(e) and (f)—\nrenumber as section 63(1)(d) and (e).\n164 Amendment of s 64 (Immediate amendment or\nsuspension of permits for safety or conservation)\n(1) Section 64(1)(a) to (c)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) to ensure the health or safety of a person or\nprotect a person’s property; or\n(b) to minimise risk to, or safeguard the health\nof, a person because of a fire or natural\ndisaster; or\n(c) to conserve or protect the cultural or natural\nresources of the recreation area to which the\npermit applies; or\n(d) because the permit relates to an area that has\nbeen declared as a restricted access area or\nan area closed to the public.\n(2) Section 64(2), ‘verbally or by signs’—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\nClause 17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 156\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 165]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\nomit, insert—\nin any way practicable in the circumstances\n(3) Section 64(2)—\ninsert—\nExamples of ways to advise the permit holder—\nverbally, by using a sign or by sending a text message to\na phone\n165 Amendment of s 65 (Cancelling a permit or suspending a\npermit (other than immediately))\n(1) Section 65(1)(b)(iv)—\nomit, insert—\n(iv) for a permit that is part of a single integrated\npermission—a related permission for the\npermit has been, or is about to be—\n(A) amended to an extent that is no longer\nconsistent with the permit; or\n(B) replaced with another permit or\npermission that is not consistent with\nthe permit; or\n(C) suspended or cancelled; or\n(v) for a permit that is part of a GBR region\npermit—a permission under a GBR region\nAct forming part of the permit has been, or\nis about to be—\n(A) amended to an extent that is no longer\nconsistent with the permit; or\n(B) replaced with another permission that\nis not consistent with the permit; or\n(C) suspended or cancelled; or\n(2) Section 65(1)(c)(i) and (ii), after ‘for the permit,’—\ninsert—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\nClause 8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 157\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 166]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\nor a related Act in relation to the permit,\n166 Amendment of s 69 (Chief executive may enter into\ncommercial activity agreement)\nSection 69(3)—\nomit, insert—\n(3) The agreement may be combined with a\ncommercial activity agreement entered into with\nthe person under any of the following Acts—\n(a) the Forestry Act 1959;\n(b) the Marine Parks Act 2004;\n(c) the Nature Conservation Act 1992.\n167 Amendment of s 90 (Immediate amendment or\nsuspension of commercial activity agreements for safety\nor conservation)\n(1) Section 90(1)(a) to (c)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) to ensure the health or safety of a person or\nprotect a person’s property; or\n(b) to minimise risk to, or safeguard the health\nof, a person because of a fire or natural\ndisaster; or\n(c) to conserve or protect the cultural or natural\nresources of the recreation area to which the\nagreement applies; or\n(d) because the agreement relates to an area that\nhas been declared as a restricted access area\nor an area closed to the public.\n(2) Section 90(2), ‘verbally or by signs’—\nomit, insert—\nin any way practicable in the circumstances\n1\nClause 2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\nClause 12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 158\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 168]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\n(3) Section 90(2)—\ninsert—\nExamples of ways to advise the other party—\nverbally, by using a sign or by sending a text message to\na phone\n168 Amendment of s 91 (Amending commercial activity\nagreements (other than immediately))\nSection 91(1)(a) to (c)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) if an activity to which the agreement applies\nis declared, after entering into the\nagreement, to be a prescribed commercial\nactivity; or\n(b) if the chief executive reasonably believes—\n(i) the amendment is necessary to ensure\nfair and equitable access to the\nrecreation area to which the agreement\napplies; or\n(ii) the amendment is otherwise necessary,\nhaving regard to—\n(A) the purpose of, or a requirement\nunder, this Act; or\n(B) if the agreement is combined with\nanother agreement—a\nrequirement under a related Act;\nor\n(c) to ensure the health or safety of a person or\nprotect a person’s property; or\n169 Amendment of s 208 (Internal review decision)\n(1) Section 208(1)—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\nClause 6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\nClause 29\n30\n\nPage 159\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 170]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\ninsert—\n(c) give the applicant a notice complying with\nthe QCAT Act, section 157(2) for the\ninternal review decision.\n(2) Section 208(1A)(a), ‘joint permission permit’—\nomit, insert—\nGBR region permit\n(3) Section 208(1A)(b)—\nomit, insert—\n(b) a decision about a permission under a GBR\nregion Act forming part of the permit is\nbeing reviewed under that Act; and\n(4) Section 208(1A)(c), ‘related’—\nomit.\n(5) Section 208(2)—\nomit, insert—\n(2) Also, the chief executive and the applicant may,\nbefore the period stated in subsection (1) ends,\nagree to a longer period for the chief executive to\ncomply with the subsection.\n(6) Section 208(3), ‘or (2)’—\nomit.\n170 Amendment of s 211 (Extending time for application)\n(1) Section 211(a), ‘joint permission permit’—\nomit, insert—\nGBR region permit\n(2) Section 211(b), ‘related permission for the permit’—\nomit, insert—\npermission under a GBR region Act forming part\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\nClause 23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 160\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 171]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\nof the permit\n(3) Section 211, ‘marine park Act’—\nomit, insert—\nGBR region Act\n171 Insertion of new pt 11, div 3\nPart 11—\ninsert—\nDivision 3 Transitional provision for\nEnvironmental Protection\n(Efficiency and\nStreamlining) and Other\nLegislation Amendment\nAct 2025\n250 Proposed amendments to permits and\ncommercial activity agreements\n(1) This section applies if—\n(a) before the commencement, the chief\nexecutive had given a notice—\n(i) under former section 63, to the holder\nof a permit proposing an amendment to\nthe permit; or\n(ii) under former section 91, to the other\nparty to a commercial activity\nagreement proposing an amendment to\nthe agreement; and\n(b) immediately before the commencement, the\nchief executive had not decided whether to\nstill make the amendment.\n(2) The chief executive may decide to make the\n1\n2\n3\n4\nClause 5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 161\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 172]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\namendment under the former section as if the\namendment Act had not been enacted.\n(3) In this section—\namendment Act means the Environmental\nProtection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and\nOther Legislation Amendment Act 2025.\nformer, for a provision of this Act, means the\nprovision as in force from time to time before the\ncommencement.\n172 Amendment of schedule (Dictionary)\n(1) Schedule, definitions commercial activity, exempt media\nactivity, joint permission, joint permission permit, marine\npark Act, marine park permission and prescribed structure—\nomit.\n(2) Schedule—\ninsert—\ncommercial activity, in relation to a recreation\narea—\n(a) means—\n(i) an activity that is conducted for gain in,\nover or adjacent to the area; or\n(ii) an activity that is advertising or\npromoting the use of the area for gain;\nbut\n(b) does not include—\n(i) an exempt activity; or\n(ii) an exempt media activity.\nExamples for paragraph (a)—\n1 a guided tour, scenic flight or cruise in, over or\nadjacent to a recreation area\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\nClause 10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 162\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 172]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\n2 filming or advertising a recreation area to sell a\nproduct or promote a tour, scenic flight, tourist\nfacility or resort\ndrone means a device capable of flight—\n(a) that is able to be remotely piloted or\nprogrammed to autonomously fly a\nparticular route; and\n(b) that is not capable of transporting a person.\nexempt media activity means—\n(a) filming or photography that—\n(i) involves no more than 10 people; and\n(ii) does not involve the construction or\nuse of prescribed equipment; or\n(b) filming or photography in relation to an\nevent—\n(i) that is conducted when, or as soon as\npracticable after, the event happens;\nand\n(ii) that is conducted for publishing a\nreport of the event—\n(A) on television or in a newspaper,\nmagazine or similar publication;\nand\n(B) to inform the public about the\nevent; and\n(iii) that is a type of filming or photography\nthe chief executive has stated is an\nexempt media activity on the\ndepartment’s website.\nGBR region Act means—\n(a) the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act\n1975 (Cwlth); or\n(b) the Marine Parks Act 2004.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 163\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 172]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 11 Amendment of Recreation Areas Management Act 2006\nGBR region permit see section 55A(2).\nnon-commercial activity means an activity other\nthan a commercial activity.\nprescribed equipment—\n(a) means a structure or equipment for\nfacilitating filming or photography; and\n(b) includes a building, drone, generator,\nplatform, shelter, tower or vehicle for\nfacilitating filming or photography; and\n(c) does not include—\n(i) a camera or camera accessories; or\n(ii) a tripod; or\n(iii) a portable hide large enough to shelter\nonly 1 person; or\n(iv) a power source consisting of only dry\ncells or a single wet cell battery; or\n(v) a vehicle used only for transport or\ncamping as authorised under this Act,\nthe Forestry Act 1959 or the Nature\nConservation Act 1992.\nrelated Act—\n(a) in relation to a single integrated\npermission—means another Act under\nwhich a permit or permission, that is part of\nthe single integrated permission, has been\ngranted; or\n(b) in relation to a GBR region permit—means\na GBR region Act under which a\npermission, that is part of the GBR region\npermit, has been granted; or\n(c) in relation to a commercial activity\nagreement—means an Act mentioned in\nsection 69(3) under which another\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 164\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 173]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 12 Amendment of Regional Planning Interests Act 2014\nagreement, that is combined with the\ncommercial activity agreement, has been\nentered into.\nrelated permission, for a commercial activity\npermit or an organised event permit, means—\n(a) a permission under the Marine Parks Act\n2004 for an activity or purpose similar to the\npermit; or\n(b) a commercial activity permit or an\norganised event permit under the Nature\nConservation Act 1992; or\n(c) a commercial activity permit or an\norganised event permit under the Forestry\nAct 1959.\nsingle integrated permission see section\n55L(2)(c).\n(3) Schedule, definition organised event, paragraph 1,\nexamples—\nomit, insert—\nExamples of activities that may be organised events—\na showcase of historical vehicles, a trail run, training\nexercises conducted by the Australian Defence Force\nPart 12 Amendment of Regional\nPlanning Interests Act 2014\n173 Act amended\nThis part amends the Regional Planning Interests Act 2014.\n174 Amendment of s 24 (Exemption—pre-existing resource\nactivity)\nSection 24—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\nClause 25\n26\nClause 27\n28\n29","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0015","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 15","content":"Page 165\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 175]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 13 Amendment of State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2014\ninsert—\n(4) Also, for subsection (1), a resource activity may\nbe carried out lawfully on land if—\n(a) the activity may be carried out lawfully on\nthe land—\n(i) under a resource authority and an ERA\ncode under the Environmental\nProtection Act; and\n(ii) without the need for any further\nauthority or approval relating to the\nlocation, nature or extent of the\nexpected surface impacts of the activity\nto be obtained under an Act or a\ncondition of the resource authority or\nERA code; and\n(b) information provided in, with or in support\nof the application for the resource authority\n(or an amendment of the application)\nidentified the location, nature and extent of\nthe expected surface impacts of the activity.\nPart 13 Amendment of State Penalties\nEnforcement Regulation 2014\n175 Regulation amended\nThis part amends the State Penalties Enforcement Regulation\n2014.\n176 Amendment of sch 1 (Infringement notice offences and\nfines for nominated laws)\n(1) Schedule 1, entry for Environmental Protection Act 1994,\nentry for section 285(2), ‘285(2)’—\nomit, insert—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\nClause 23\n24\n25\nClause 26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 166\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 177]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 14 Amendment of Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011\n285(6)\n(2) Schedule 1, entry for Environmental Protection Act 1994—\ninsert—\nPart 14 Amendment of Waste\nReduction and Recycling Act\n2011\n177 Act amended\nThis part amends the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act\n2011.\nNote—\nSee also the amendments in schedule 1, part 2.\n178 Amendment of s 224 (Return of seized thing)\n(1) Section 224(2) and (3)—\nomit, insert—\n(2) As soon as the chief executive stops being\nsatisfied there are reasonable grounds for\nretaining the thing, the chief executive must\nreturn the thing to its owner.\n(3) If the thing is not returned to its owner within 3\nmonths after it was seized, the owner may apply\nto the chief executive for its return.\n(3A) Within 30 days after receiving the application, the\nchief executive must—\n(a) if the chief executive is satisfied there are\nreasonable grounds for retaining the thing\ns 463A(1) 5 25\ns 463A(2) 5 25\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\nClause 7\n8\n9\n10\n11\nClause 12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n\nPage 167\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 178]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 14 Amendment of Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011\nand decides to retain the thing—give the\nowner an information notice for the\ndecision, including the grounds for retaining\nthe thing; or\n(b) otherwise—return the thing to the owner.\n(3B) For this section, there are reasonable grounds for\nretaining a seized thing if—\n(a) the thing is being, or is likely to be,\nexamined; or\n(b) the thing is needed, or may be needed, for\nthe purposes of—\n(i) a proceeding for an offence against this\nAct that is likely to be started or that\nhas been started but not completed; or\n(ii) an appeal from a decision in a\nproceeding for an offence against this\nAct; or\n(c) it is not lawful for the owner to possess the\nthing; or\n(d) the chief executive believes it is necessary\nto continue to keep the thing to prevent its\nuse in committing an offence.\n(3C) Subsection (5) does not limit the grounds that may\nbe reasonable grounds for retaining the seized\nthing.\n(2) Section 224(3A) to (4)—\nrenumber as section 224(4) to (7).\n(3) Section 224—\ninsert—\n(8) In this section—\nexamine includes analyse, test, account for,\nmeasure, weigh, grade, gauge and identify.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 168\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 179]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 14 Amendment of Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011\n179 Amendment of s 267 (Summary proceedings for\noffences)\nSection 267(2)—\nomit, insert—\n(2) A proceeding for an offence against this Act,\nother than an offence against section 54, must\nstart within 2 years after the commission of the\noffence.\n(3) A proceeding for an offence against section 54\nmust start within 6 years after the commission of\nthe offence.\n180 Insertion of new ch 16, pt 6\nChapter 16—\ninsert—\nPart 6 Transitional provisions\nfor Environmental\nProtection (Efficiency\nand Streamlining) and\nOther Legislation\nAmendment Act 2025\n335 Definitions for part\nIn this part—\namendment Act means the Environmental\nProtection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and\nOther Legislation Amendment Act 2025.\nformer, in relation to a provision of this Act,\nmeans the provision as in force from time to time\nbefore the commencement.\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\nClause 12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n\nPage 169\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 181]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n336 Continuation of former s 224 in relation to\nthings seized before commencement\n(1) This section applies in relation to a thing seized by\nan authorised person under former chapter 10,\npart 4, division 3 before the commencement.\n(2) Former section 224 continues to apply in relation\nto the thing as if the amendment Act had not been\nenacted.\n337 Limitation period for starting proceedings\n(1) This section applies in relation to a proceeding for\nan offence against this Act that was committed\nbefore the commencement.\n(2) Former section 267(2) continues to apply in\nrelation to starting the proceeding as if the\namendment Act had not been enacted.\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n181 Act amended\nThis part amends the Water Act 2000.\nNote—\nSee also the amendments in schedule 1.\n182 Amendment of s 97 (Environmental authorities)\nSection 97—\ninsert—\n(4) Subsection (5) applies if—\n(a) a person is authorised to take or interfere\nwith water under subsection (1) or (2) in\nrelation to an environmental authority that\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\nClause 17\n18\n19\n20\nClause 21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n\nPage 170\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 183]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\napproved an environmentally relevant\nactivity; and\n(b) an ERA code applying to the\nenvironmentally relevant activity takes\neffect under the Environmental Protection\nAct 1994; and\n(c) the person starts to carry out the\nenvironmentally relevant activity under the\nERA code.\n(5) The authorisation to take or interfere with water\nunder subsection (1) or (2) in relation to the\nenvironmental authority to the extent it approved\nthe environmentally relevant activity continues to\napply in relation to the person carrying out the\nactivity under the ERA code.\n183 Amendment of s 102 (Authorisations under water plans\nor regulation)\n(1) Section 102(1)(b), after ‘take’—\ninsert—\nor interfere with\n(2) Section 102(2)(b), ‘up to a volume stated in the plan’—\nomit, insert—\nas mentioned in subsection (1)\n(3) Section 102(3), after paragraph (a)—\ninsert—\n(aa) take or interfere with water if doing so is\nnecessary to carry out an activity prescribed\nby regulation;\n(4) Section 102(3)(aa) and (b)—\nrenumber as section 102(3)(b) and (c).\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\nClause 16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 171\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 184]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n184 Amendment of s 370 (Obligation to give underground\nwater impact report)\nSection 370(2)(c)—\nomit, insert—\n(c) be given on or before—\n(i) the fifth anniversary of the day the\nchief executive approved the most\nrecent underground water impact\nreport for the cumulative management\narea or resource tenure; or\n(ii) if the chief executive agrees to a later\nday—the later day; and\n185 Amendment of s 370B (When obligation to give further\nunderground water impact report does not apply)\nSection 370B(5)—\nomit, insert—\n(5) Section 370 applies to the responsible entity as if\nsection 370(2)(c)(i) referred to the fifth\nanniversary of the day the chief executive\napproved the underground water impact report as\namended.\n186 Amendment of s 376 (Content of underground water\nimpact report)\n(1) Section 376(1)(a)(ii), ‘3-year’—\nomit, insert—\n5-year\n(2) Section 376(1)(b)(iv), ‘3 years’—\nomit, insert—\n5 years\n(3) Section 376(1)—\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\nClause 13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\nClause 22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 172\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 187]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\ninsert—\n(ga) if the report relates to a cumulative\nmanagement area—a baseline assessment\nstrategy;\n187 Amendment of s 378 (Content of water monitoring\nstrategy)\nSection 378(3), from ‘report,’ to ‘holders’—\nomit, insert—\nreport other than for a cumulative management\narea, the strategy must also include a program for\nthe responsible tenure holder\n188 Insertion of new ss 379A and 379B\nAfter section 379—\ninsert—\n379A Content of baseline assessment strategy\n(1) A baseline assessment strategy must, for each\narea of a CMA tenure in which there is a water\nbore—\n(a) state whether a baseline assessment has\nbeen undertaken for any bores in the area\nbefore the day the strategy is given to the\nchief executive and, if so, identify the bores;\nand\n(b) identify each area of the tenure in which a\nwater bore, other than a bore mentioned in\nparagraph (a), is or may be located (each a\npriority area); and\n(c) include a timetable (a baseline assessment\ntimetable) for responsible tenure holders\nunder the report to undertake a baseline\nassessment of each water bore mentioned in\n1\n2\n3\n4\nClause 5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\nClause 12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 173\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 188]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\nparagraph (b) for which an assessment has\nnot already been completed; and\n(d) state the rationale for each date stated in the\nbaseline assessment timetable.\n(2) For subsection (1)(c), the baseline assessment\ntimetable must include a stated date by which all\nbaseline assessments in each priority area will be\nundertaken in accordance with section 379B.\n(3) Also, the baseline assessment strategy must—\n(a) state whether a baseline assessment has\nbeen undertaken for any long-term affected\narea bores in the cumulative management\narea before the day the strategy is given to\nthe chief executive and, if so, identify the\nbores; and\n(b) include a program for the responsible tenure\nholders under the report to undertake a\nbaseline assessment for each long-term\naffected area bore in the cumulative\nmanagement area, other than a bore\nmentioned in paragraph (a), including a\nstated date by which each baseline\nassessment will be undertaken.\n(4) Despite subsections (1)(b) and (3)(a), the baseline\nassessment strategy may exclude an area if the\noffice is satisfied that any relevant aquifer in the\narea is not affected, or likely to be affected, by the\nexercise of the CMA tenure holders’ underground\nwater rights.\n(5) In this section—\nlong-term affected area bore means a water bore\nthat is—\n(a) outside the area of a resource tenure; but\n(b) within the area shown on the map prepared\nunder section 376(1)(b)(v).\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n35\n\nPage 174\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 188]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n379B Requirements for baseline assessment\ntimetable for baseline assessment strategy\n(1) If a CMA tenure is a petroleum tenure, the\nbaseline assessment timetable must provide for a\nbaseline assessment to be undertaken for each\nwater bore located in a priority area for the tenure\nby the following time—\n(a) before production testing starts, if—\n(i) the bore in the priority area is located\nwithin 2km of the production testing;\nand\n(ii) during the production testing, water\nwill be taken from the aquifer\nsupplying the water bore;\n(b) if paragraph (a) does not apply and\nproduction testing in the priority area has\nbeen undertaken for a period of 30 days,\nwhether continuous or not—the day after\nthe 30-day period ends;\n(c) otherwise—before production of petroleum\nstarts in the priority area.\n(2) However, subsection (1)(a) does not apply if the\npetroleum tenure holder—\n(a) obtains the written agreement of the owner\nof the water bore to a baseline assessment\nbeing undertaken on a later day; and\n(b) gives the office a copy of the written\nagreement.\n(3) If the CMA tenure is a mining tenure, the baseline\nassessment timetable must provide for a baseline\nassessment to be undertaken for each water bore\nin a priority area before the exercise of\nunderground water rights in the priority area.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 175\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 189]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n189 Amendment of s 386 (Publishing approval and making\nreport available)\nSection 386(1)(a)(ii), ‘the area’—\nomit, insert—\nan immediately affected area or a long-term\naffected area\n190 Insertion of new s 390A\nAfter section 390—\ninsert—\n390A Notifying office of particular matters related\nto approved report for cumulative\nmanagement area\n(1) Subsection (2) applies to the holder of a CMA\ntenure if—\n(a) the holder becomes aware of a material\nchange to—\n(i) for the holder of a CMA tenure that is a\nmining tenure—the holder’s program\nfor carrying out activities for the\ntenure; or\n(ii) for the holder of a CMA tenure that is a\npetroleum tenure—the holder’s\nprogram for production testing or\nproduction of petroleum under the\ntenure; and\n(b) the material change may result in the\nbaseline assessment timetable included in\nthe baseline assessment strategy for the\ncumulative management area for the tenure\nnot being implemented in accordance with\nsection 379B.\n(2) The holder must, within 20 business days after\nbecoming aware of the material change, give the\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\nClause 7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 176\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 191]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\noffice notice of the material change.\nMaximum penalty—50 penalty units.\n(3) Subsection (4) applies to the holder of a CMA\ntenure if—\n(a) an area is excluded from the baseline\nassessment strategy for the cumulative\nmanagement area for the tenure under\nsection 379A(4); and\n(b) the holder becomes aware a relevant aquifer\nin the excluded area is being, or is likely to\nbe, affected by the exercise of the holder’s\nunderground water rights by more than the\nbore trigger threshold for the aquifer.\n(4) The holder must, within 20 business days after\nbecoming aware of the matter mentioned in\nsubsection (3), give the office notice of the matter.\nMaximum penalty—50 penalty units.\n(5) In this section—\nbaseline assessment strategy, for a cumulative\nmanagement area, means the baseline assessment\nstrategy contained in an approved underground\nwater impact report for the area.\n191 Amendment of s 391 (Minor or agreed amendments of\napproved report)\n(1) Section 391(1)(a)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) the amendment—\n(i) is only to—\n(A) correct a minor error; or\n(B) update a resource tenure holder’s\ndetails; or\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\nClause 23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 177\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 192]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n(C) make another change that is not a\nchange of substance; and\n(ii) will not adversely affect a resource\ntenure holder or a bore owner of a\nwater bore within an immediately\naffected area or a long-term affected\narea; or\n(2) Section 391(3)—\nomit, insert—\n(3) The chief executive must give notice of the\namendment to the responsible entity for the\nreport.\n(3) Section 391—\ninsert—\n(6) Also, if the report relates to a cumulative\nmanagement area, the office must give a notice of\nthe amendment to each holder of a CMA tenure\nwithin the area affected by the amendment, other\nthan the holder of a closing CMA tenure.\n192 Amendment of s 392 (Direction to propose amendment\nand consult on proposal)\nSection 392(1)—\nomit, insert—\n(1) This section applies if—\n(a) the chief executive reasonably believes—\n(i) there has been a material change in the\ninformation or a prediction contained\nin an approved underground water\nimpact report or final report; or\n(ii) the information or a prediction\ncontained in an approved underground\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\nClause 20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0016","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 16","content":"Page 178\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 193]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\nwater impact report or final report is\nincorrect in a material particular; and\n(b) section 392A does not apply for the\namendment.\n193 Insertion of new s 392A\nAfter section 392—\ninsert—\n392A Regular amendments to baseline\nassessment strategy in approved report for\ncumulative management area\n(1) This section applies in relation to a cumulative\nmanagement area for which an approved\nunderground water impact report is in effect.\n(2) The office must, before each annual review day\nfor the cumulative management area, do each of\nthe following in relation to the approved\nunderground water impact report—\n(a) consider whether an amendment of the\nreport to update the baseline assessment\nstrategy is necessary, having regard to—\n(i) any section 390A matter in relation to\nthe area that the office has become\naware of since the last strategy update\nfor the area; and\n(ii) another change relating to a CMA\ntenure that has happened since the last\nstrategy update for the area;\nExamples of changes relating to a CMA tenure\nfor subparagraph (ii)—\n• the creation of a CMA tenure since the\nlast strategy update for the cumulative\nmanagement area\n1\n2\n3\n4\nClause 5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n\nPage 179\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 193]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n• a change to the holder of a CMA tenure\nsince the last strategy update for the\ncumulative management area\n(b) if the office considers an amendment of the\nreport to update the baseline assessment\nstrategy is necessary—\n(i) propose an amendment of the report to\nupdate the baseline assessment strategy\nto address the matter mentioned in\nparagraph (a); and\n(ii) consult on the proposed amendment in\naccordance with subsection (4).\n(3) The office must give the proposed amendment to\nthe chief executive for approval under subsection\n(5) when the office gives the chief executive an\nannual review summary for the cumulative\nmanagement area.\n(4) In consulting on the proposed amendment,\ndivision 4, subdivision 2 applies to the proposed\namendment as if—\n(a) a reference in that subdivision to an\nunderground water impact report or final\nreport were a reference to the proposed\namendment; and\n(b) section 382(1) only required the office to\ngive a notice about the proposed amendment\nto each owner of a water bore within the\narea to which the report relates if the owner\nwould be affected by the proposed\namendment; and\n(c) section 382(2) required the office to give a\ncopy of the notice to a holder of a CMA\ntenure within the area, other than the holder\nof a closing CMA tenure, only if the holder\nwould be affected by the proposed\namendment; and\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n35\n36\n\nPage 180\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 193]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n(d) a reference in section 382(3)(e) to the day\nthe notice is published were a reference to\nthe day the notice mentioned in paragraph\n(b) is given.\n(5) In deciding whether to approve the proposed\namendment, division 5 applies to the chief\nexecutive’s decision as if a reference in that\ndivision to an underground water impact report or\nfinal report were a reference to the proposed\namendment.\n(6) The approved underground water impact report,\nas amended, takes effect on the day the\namendment takes effect under section 385(6), as\napplied under subsection (5).\n(7) In this section—\nannual review day, for a cumulative management\narea, means the day on which the office is\nrequired to give the chief executive, as mentioned\nin section 376(1)(e)(ii), an annual review\nsummary for the area.\nannual review summary, for a cumulative\nmanagement area, means a summary of the\noutcome of an annual review, as mentioned in\nsection 376(1)(e)(i), in relation to the area.\nlast strategy update, for a cumulative\nmanagement area, means the most recent\napproval or amendment of the baseline\nassessment strategy for the area.\nsection 390A matter, in relation to a cumulative\nmanagement area, means a material change or\nother matter of which the holder of a CMA tenure\nis required under section 390A to give the office\nnotice.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 181\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 194]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n194 Amendment of s 393 (Other amendments)\nSection 393(1)(c), ‘section 391 or 392’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 391, 392 or 392A\n195 Insertion of new s 396A\nBefore section 397—\ninsert—\n396A Application of division\nThis division does not apply in relation to a\nresource tenure if—\n(a) the tenure is a CMA tenure; or\n(b) there are no water bores in the area of the\ntenure.\n196 Amendment of s 397 (Obligation to prepare baseline\nassessment plan)\n(1) Section 397(1)—\nomit.\n(2) Section 397(5), ‘subsection (4)(b)’—\nomit, insert—\nsubsection (3)(b)\n(3) Section 397(2) to (5)—\nrenumber as section 397(1) to (4).\n197 Amendment of s 402 (Direction by chief executive to\nundertake baseline assessment)\n(1) Section 402(5), penalty, ‘for subsection (5)’—\nomit.\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\nClause 5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\nClause 14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\nClause 23\n24\n25\n26\n\nPage 182\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 198]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n(2) Section 402—\ninsert—\n(6) The chief executive must give the office a copy of\na notice given to the holder under subsection (2).\n198 Amendment of s 403 (Notice of intention to undertake\nbaseline assessment)\nSection 403, after ‘give’—\ninsert—\nthe office and\n199 Amendment of s 404 (Bore owner must give information)\nSection 404(1), ‘under this part’—\nomit, insert—\nrelating to baseline assessments\n200 Amendment of s 415 (Notice of intention to undertake\nbore assessment)\nSection 415, after ‘give’—\ninsert—\nthe office and\n201 Amendment of s 418 (Direction by chief executive to\nundertake bore assessment)\n(1) Section 418—\ninsert—\n(6A) Subsection (8) applies if—\n(a) the bore owner of a water bore applies for a\nbore assessment notice under section\n419B(2); and\n1\n2\n3\n4\nClause 5\n6\n7\n8\n9\nClause 10\n11\n12\n13\nClause 14\n15\n16\n17\n18\nClause 19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n\nPage 183\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 202]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n(b) the chief executive gives a resource tenure\nholder a notice under subsection (2) because\nof the bore owner’s application; and\n(c) the holder makes a submission to the chief\nexecutive; and\n(d) after considering the submission, the chief\nexecutive decides not to give the holder a\nnotice under subsection (5).\n(6B) The chief executive must give the bore owner and\nthe holder an information notice for the decision.\n(6C) The chief executive must give the office a copy of\na notice given to the holder under subsection (2)\nor (5).\n(2) Section 418(6A) to (8)—\nrenumber as section 418(7) to (11).\n202 Insertion of new ch 3, pt 5, div 2, sdiv 4\nChapter 3, part 5, division 2—\ninsert—\nSubdivision 4 Application for bore\nassessment notice\n419A Definition for subdivision\nIn this subdivision—\nbore assessment notice, for a water bore, means a\nnotice given to a resource tenure holder under\nsection 418(2) in relation to the water bore.\n419B Application for bore assessment notice\n(1) This section applies in relation to a water bore if a\nmake good agreement for the water bore has not\nbeen entered into.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\nClause 16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 184\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 202]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n(2) The bore owner of the water bore may apply to the\nchief executive for a bore assessment notice to be\ngiven for the water bore.\n(3) An application for a bore assessment notice for a\nwater bore must—\n(a) be in writing; and\n(b) include a copy of evidence to support the\napplication, including any evidence about\nthe capacity of the bore.\n419C Decision on application\n(1) The chief executive must, within the decision\nperiod for an application for a bore assessment\nnotice for a water bore—\n(a) consider the application; and\n(b) decide whether to give the bore assessment\nnotice applied for.\n(2) If the chief executive decides to give the bore\nassessment notice for the water bore, the chief\nexecutive must—\n(a) give the bore assessment notice, in\naccordance with section 418, to the resource\ntenure holder to whom the chief executive\ndecides to give the notice; and\n(b) give notice of the decision to the applicant.\n(3) If the chief executive decides not to give the bore\nassessment notice for the water bore, the chief\nexecutive must give the applicant an information\nnotice for the decision.\n(4) In this section—\ndecision period, for an application for a bore\nassessment notice for a water bore, means—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 185\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 203]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n(a) the period of 60 business days after the chief\nexecutive receives the application; or\n(b) if the applicant agrees to a longer\nperiod—the longer period.\n203 Amendment of s 420 (What is a make good agreement for\na water bore)\n(1) Section 420—\ninsert—\n(1A) However, an agreement is a make good\nagreement only to the extent it provides for the\nmatters mentioned in subsection (1)(b).\n(2) Section 420(1A) and (2)—\nrenumber as section 420(2) and (3).\n204 Amendment of s 423 (Requirement to enter into make\ngood agreement and reimburse bore owner)\n(1) Section 423, heading—\nomit, insert—\n423 Requirements about entering into make good\nagreement\n(2) Section 423(3)—\nomit, insert—\n(3) The holder must reimburse the bore owner for any\naccounting, hydrogeology, legal or valuation\ncosts the bore owner necessarily and reasonably\nincurs in negotiating or preparing a make good\nagreement.\n(3) Section 423—\ninsert—\n(4A) Also, if the holder enters into a make good\nagreement for the bore, the holder must, within 20\n1\n2\n3\n4\nClause 5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\nClause 14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n\nPage 186\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 205]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\nbusiness days after entering into the agreement,\ngive the chief executive and the office notice that\nthe agreement was entered into.\nMaximum penalty—50 penalty units.\n(4) Section 423(4A) and (5)—\nrenumber as section 423(5) and (6).\n205 Insertion of new ch 3, pt 5, div 5\nChapter 3, part 5—\ninsert—\nDivision 5 Regular reporting about\nmake good obligations\n437B Regular reporting to office\n(1) A responsible tenure holder for make good\nobligations for a water bore must, by 31 October\neach year, give the office notice about the matters\nmentioned in subsection (2) for the most recently\nended reporting period.\nMaximum penalty—500 penalty units.\n(2) The matters are the following—\n(a) if the responsible tenure holder has not\nentered into a make good agreement with\nthe bore owner of the water bore as required\nunder division 3—an update on the steps\ntaken to enter into the agreement;\n(b) if the responsible tenure holder has entered\ninto a make good agreement with the bore\nowner of the water bore—\n(i) whether the bore has or is likely to\nhave an impaired capacity; and\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\nClause 7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nPage 187\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 206]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n(ii) if the bore has or is likely to have an\nimpaired capacity—\n(A) the make good measures for the\nbore to be taken by the holder; and\n(B) an update on the make good\nmeasures for the bore taken by the\nholder.\n(3) In giving the office a notice under this section, the\nresponsible tenure holder must not include\ninformation about any monetary amounts given or\nto be given to the bore owner of the water bore.\n(4) In this section—\nreporting period means the period from 1 October\nuntil the next 30 September.\n206 Insertion of new ch 3, pt 9\nChapter 3—\ninsert—\nPart 9 Information requests\nby manager\n454A Obtaining information from resource tenure\nholders about compliance with make good\nobligations\n(1) The manager may give a resource tenure holder a\nnotice requesting information about compliance\nby the holder with the holder’s make good\nobligations for a water bore.\n(2) The notice must state how, and a reasonable\nperiod of at least 20 business days by which, the\ninformation must be given.\n(3) The resource tenure holder must comply with the\nnotice, unless the holder has a reasonable excuse.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\nClause 15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 188\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 207]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\nMaximum penalty—200 penalty units.\n(4) If the resource tenure holder is an individual, it is\na reasonable excuse not to comply with the notice\nif complying with the notice might tend to\nincriminate the holder.\n(5) If a person (the first person) who is a resource\ntenure holder has nominated or specified another\nperson (the nominated person) for service under\na relevant provision, the notice is taken to have\nbeen given to the first person if it is given to the\nnominated person.\n(6) In this section—\nrelevant provision means—\n(a) for a resource tenure holder who is the\nholder of a mineral development\nlicence—the Mineral Resources Act,\nsection 183(1)(c); or\n(b) for a resource tenure holder who is the\nholder of a mining lease—the Mineral\nResources Act, section 245(1)(c); or\n(c) for a resource tenure holder who is the\nholder of a 1923 Act petroleum tenure under\nthe Petroleum Act 1923—the Petroleum Act\n1923, section 129; or\n(d) for a resource tenure holder who is the\nholder of a petroleum tenure under the\nPetroleum and Gas Act—the Petroleum and\nGas Act, section 852.\n207 Amendment of s 479 (Annual levy for underground water\nmanagement)\n(1) Section 479, heading, ‘for underground water management’—\nomit.\n(2) Section 479(4)(a), ‘under chapter 3’—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\nClause 29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 189\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 208]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\nomit.\n208 Insertion of new s 482A\nBefore section 483—\ninsert—\n482A Definition for part\nIn this part—\npersonal information see the Information\nPrivacy Act 2009, section 12.\n209 Amendment of s 483 (Public access to database)\n(1) Section 483(2), after ‘sensitive’—\ninsert—\nor personal information about an individual\n(2) Section 483(3)(a), ‘and’—\nomit, insert—\nor\n(3) Section 483(3)(b), after ‘details’—\ninsert—\ncontained in the publicly available part of the\ndatabase\n210 Amendment of s 484 (Resource tenure holder access to\ninformation)\nSection 484(1), ‘this chapter’—\nomit, insert—\nchapter 3\n1\nClause 2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\nClause 9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\nClause 20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n\nPage 190\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 211]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n211 Amendment of s 485 (Chief executive’s access to\ninformation)\nSection 485, after ‘sensitive’—\ninsert—\nor personal information about an individual\n212 Insertion of new ch 9, pt 15\nChapter 9—\ninsert—\nPart 15 Transitional provisions\nfor Environmental\nProtection (Efficiency\nand Streamlining) and\nOther Legislation\nAmendment Act 2025\n1311 Definitions for part\nIn this part—\namendment Act means the Environmental\nProtection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and\nOther Legislation Amendment Act 2025.\nformer, in relation to a provision of this Act,\nmeans the provision as in force from time to time\nbefore the commencement.\nnew, in relation to a provision of this Act, means\nthe provision as in force from the commencement.\n1312 Application of former ss 370 and 376 for\nparticular underground water impact reports\n(1) This section applies in relation to—\nClause 1\n2\n3\n4\n5\nClause 6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0017","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 17","content":"Page 191\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 212]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n(a) a cumulative management area declared\nbefore the commencement; or\n(b) a resource tenure other than a CMA tenure if\nthe start day for the tenure, or the day the\ntenure was last renewed, was before the\ncommencement.\n(2) Subsections (3) and (4) apply if, before the\ncommencement, an underground water impact\nreport (the pre-commencement report) relating to\nthe cumulative management area or resource\ntenure was given to the chief executive under\nformer section 370 but had not been approved\nunder section 385.\n(3) Former section 370 applies, as if the amendment\nAct had not been enacted, in relation to—\n(a) the pre-commencement report; and\n(b) the first underground water impact report in\nrelation to the cumulative management area\nor resource tenure given after the\ncommencement.\n(4) Also, former section 376 applies, as if the\namendment Act had not been enacted, in relation\nto the pre-commencement report.\n(5) If the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2)\ndo not apply, former section 370 applies, as if the\namendment Act had not been enacted, in relation\nto the first underground water impact report in\nrelation to the cumulative management area or\nresource tenure given after the commencement.\n1313 Application of new s 370B(5) in relation to\nreport amended after commencement\n(1) This section applies if—\n(a) before the commencement, the chief\nexecutive—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n\nPage 192\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 212]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n(i) required a responsible entity to amend\nan existing report, within the meaning\nof former section 370B, under former\nsection 392; and\n(ii) had not approved the amendment to the\nreport; and\n(b) after the commencement, the report, as\namended, indicates a decline in the water\nlevel of an aquifer affected, or likely to be\naffected, because of the exercise of the\nunderground water rights.\n(2) New section 370B(5) applies to the responsible\nentity.\n1314 Application of new s 390A in relation to\nexisting underground water impact report\nNew section 390A does not apply in relation to an\nunderground water impact report to which section\n1315 applies until an amendment of the report\ntakes effect under section 1315.\n1315 Amendment of existing underground water\nimpact report to include baseline assessment\nstrategy\n(1) This section applies in relation to an underground\nwater impact report relating to a cumulative\nmanagement area that—\n(a) was in effect immediately before the\ncommencement; or\n(b) was given to the chief executive under\nformer section 370 and approved under\nsection 385 but had not taken effect before\nthe commencement; or\n(c) was given to the chief executive under\nformer section 370 but had not been\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 193\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 212]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\napproved under section 385 before the\ncommencement.\n(2) The office must, before the first annual review\nday for the cumulative management area, do both\nof the following in relation to the report—\n(a) propose an amendment of the report to\ninclude a baseline assessment strategy;\n(b) consult on the proposed amendment in the\nway required under subsection (4).\n(3) The office must give the proposed amendment to\nthe chief executive for approval under subsection\n(5) when the office gives the chief executive the\nfirst annual review summary for the cumulative\nmanagement area.\n(4) In consulting on the proposed amendment,\nchapter 3, part 2, division 4, subdivision 2 applies\nto the proposed amendment as if a reference in\nthat subdivision to an underground water impact\nreport or final report were a reference to the\nproposed amendment.\n(5) In deciding whether to approve the proposed\namendment, new chapter 3, part 2, division 5\napplies to the chief executive’s decision as if a\nreference in that division to an underground water\nimpact report or final report were a reference to\nthe proposed amendment.\n(6) The approved underground water impact report,\nas amended, takes effect on the day the\namendment takes effect under section 385(6), as\napplied under subsection (5).\n(7) In this section—\nfirst annual review day, for a cumulative\nmanagement area, means the first day, not earlier\nthan 1 year after the day of the commencement,\non which the office is required to give the chief\nexecutive, as mentioned in section 376(1)(e)(ii), a\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n35\n36\n\nPage 194\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 212]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\nsummary of the outcome of an annual review, as\nmentioned in section 376(1)(e)(i), in relation to\nthe area.\nfirst annual review summary, for a cumulative\nmanagement area, means the summary of the\noutcome of the annual review mentioned in the\ndefinition first annual review day.\n1316 Application of new s 392A in relation to\nexisting underground water impact report\nNew section 392A does not apply in relation to an\nunderground water impact report to which section\n1315 applies until an amendment of the report\ntakes effect under section 1315.\n1317 Baseline assessment plans for CMA tenures\napproved before commencement\n(1) This section applies in relation to a baseline\nassessment plan for a CMA tenure that had been\napproved by the chief executive before the\ncommencement.\n(2) The holder must give the office a copy of the\nbaseline assessment plan within 60 business days\nafter the day of the commencement.\n(3) Also, the baseline assessment plan continues in\neffect for the purposes of new chapter 3, part 3 as\nif new section 396A(a) did not apply in relation to\nthe CMA tenure.\n(4) Subsection (3) stops applying on the day an\namendment of the underground water impact\nreport for the cumulative management area takes\neffect under section 1315.\nNote—\nSee section 390 in relation to compliance by a resource\ntenure holder with an approved underground water\nimpact report.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n\nPage 195\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 212]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n1318 Baseline assessment plans for CMA tenures\ngiven, but not approved, before\ncommencement\n(1) This section applies if, before the\ncommencement—\n(a) the holder of a CMA tenure had given the\nchief executive a baseline assessment plan\nfor the area of the tenure; and\n(b) the chief executive had not approved the\nplan.\n(2) New chapter 3, part 3 applies in relation to the\nbaseline assessment plan as if new section\n396A(a) did not apply in relation to the CMA\ntenure.\n(3) Subsection (2) stops applying on the day an\namendment of the underground water impact\nreport for the cumulative management area takes\neffect under section 1315.\nNote—\nSee section 390 in relation to compliance by a resource\ntenure holder with an approved underground water\nimpact report.\n(4) Also, if the chief executive approves the baseline\nassessment plan after the commencement, the\nholder of the CMA tenure must give the office a\ncopy of the plan within 10 business days after\nbeing given notice of the chief executive’s\ndecision to approve the plan.\n1319 Make good agreements for water bores\nentered into before commencement\n(1) This section applies in relation to an agreement\nentered into before the commencement that—\n(a) was a make good agreement for a water\nbore; and\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n34\n\nPage 196\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 212]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\n(b) included a matter (the other matter) other\nthan a matter mentioned in section\n420(1)(b).\nExample for paragraph (b)—\nan agreement including a right of entry to the land\nof the bore owner of a water bore for a matter\nother than a matter mentioned in section 420(1)(b)\n(2) To remove any doubt, it is declared that the\namendment of section 420 by the amendment Act\ndoes not affect the inclusion of the other matter in\nthe agreement.\n1320 Continuation of requirement to advise chief\nexecutive of make good agreement entered\ninto before commencement\n(1) This section applies if, before the\ncommencement—\n(a) a responsible tenure holder entered into a\nmake good agreement for a water bore with\na bore owner; and\n(b) the holder had not advised the chief\nexecutive about the entering into of the\nagreement under former section 423(3)(b).\n(2) Former section 423(3)(b) continues to apply to the\nholder as if the amendment Act had not been\nenacted.\n1321 Reporting period for first regular report after\ncommencement\n(1) This section applies in relation to a notice\nrequired to be given to the office under new\nsection 437B within 1 year after the day of the\ncommencement.\n(2) New section 437B applies as if the reporting\nperiod for the notice were the period starting on\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n30\n31\n32\n33\n\nPage 197\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 213]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 15 Amendment of Water Act 2000\nthe day of the commencement and ending on the\nnext 30 September.\n1322 Application of annual levy\n(1) This section applies in relation to the annual levy\npayable by resource tenure holders for—\n(a) the financial year during which this section\ncommences; or\n(b) the financial year immediately after the\nfinancial year mentioned in paragraph (a).\n(2) Former section 479 continues to apply for\nworking out the annual levy if—\n(a) for the financial year mentioned in\nsubsection (1)(a)—before the\ncommencement, the annual levy for the year\nhad been worked out under former section\n479; or\n(b) for the financial year mentioned in\nsubsection (1)(b)—\n(i) before the commencement, the annual\nlevy for the year had been worked out\nunder former section 479; or\n(ii) the financial year starts within 6\nmonths after the day of the\ncommencement.\n(3) If subsection (2) does not apply in relation to the\nfinancial year, new section 479 applies for\nworking out the annual levy.\n213 Amendment of sch 4 (Dictionary)\nSchedule 4—\ninsert—\nbaseline assessment strategy means a baseline\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\nClause 28\n29\n30\n31\n\nPage 198\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n[s 214]\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPart 16 Other amendments\nassessment strategy that complies with section\n379A.\nbore assessment notice, for a water bore, for\nchapter 3, part 5, division 2, subdivision 4, see\nsection 419A.\npersonal information, for chapter 3A, part 3, see\nsection 482A.\nPart 16 Other amendments\n214 Legislation amended\nSchedule 1 amends the legislation it mentions.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\nClause 9\n10\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 199\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\nSchedule 1 Other amendments\nsection 214\nPart 1 Amendments commencing on\nassent\nEnvironmental Protection Act 1994\n1 Section 52(1), note, ‘(Public access to draft terms of\nreference or submitted EIS)’—\nomit, insert—\n(Public access to submitted EIS)\n2 Chapter 3, part 1, division 4, subdivision 2, heading, from\n‘and’—\nomit.\n3 Section 56AA(2) and (5), ‘or report’—\nomit.\n4 Section 141(2)(a), ‘section 46(1)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 46(2)\n5 Section 165(2), ‘sections 166, 167 and 167A’—\nomit, insert—\nsections 166 and 167\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 200\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n6 Section 232(1), ‘Section 136A and parts’—\nomit, insert—\nParts\n7 Section 369A(4), definition prescribed ground, paragraph\n(b), ‘section 359(e)(ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (xii) or (xiii) or\n(f)(i)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 359(e)(ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (xiii) or (xiv)\nor (f)(i)\n8 Section 579D(2), ‘section 316PE or’—\nomit, insert—\nsection\nEnvironmental Protection Regulation 2019\n1 Section 7, heading, from ‘TOR notice’—\nomit, insert—\nEIS notice—Act, s 52\n2 Section 7(1), ‘sections 42(2)(f) and 52(1)(g)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 52(1)(g)\n3 Chapter 2, part 3, heading, ‘periods’—\nomit, insert—\nperiod\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 201\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n4 Chapter 2, part 3, heading—\ninsert—\nNote—\nSee section 837 of the Act in relation to the operation of\nthis part for an EIS mentioned in section 837(1) of the\nAct.\n5 Section 11—\nomit.\n6 Section 12, ‘section 46(1)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 46(2)\n7 Section 12(a)—\nomit, insert—\n(a) 60 business days after the chief executive\ngives the proponent written notice under\nsection 41A(5) of the Act;\n8 Section 12(b), ‘20 business days’—\nomit, insert—\n60 business days\n9 Section 144(3), ‘section 520(1)(x)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 520(1)(zb)\n10 Chapter 10, part 1 and part 2, heading—\nomit.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 202\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n11 Schedule 8A, section 2(3)—\nomit.\n12 Schedule 8A, section 2(4)—\nrenumber as schedule 8A, section 2(3).\nMineral Resources Act 1989\n1 Schedule 2, definition underground water obligations,\nparagraph (b), examples, after second dot point—\ninsert—\n• complying with an approved underground\nwater impact report under section 390 of\nthat Act\nPetroleum Act 1923\n1 Section 2, definition underground water obligations,\nparagraph (b), examples, after second dot point—\ninsert—\n• complying with an approved underground\nwater impact report under section 390 of\nthat Act\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 203\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\nPetroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004\n1 Schedule 2, definition underground water obligations,\nparagraph (b), examples, after second dot point—\ninsert—\n• complying with an approved underground\nwater impact report under section 390 of\nthat Act\nWater Act 2000\n1 Section 362, definition report obligation, note, after\n‘management strategy)’—\ninsert—\n, 379A (Content of baseline assessment strategy)\n2 Section 362, definition water level, paragraph (a), ‘was\ntapped’—\nomit, insert—\nwere tapped\n3 Section 382(3)(d)(ii), second occurring—\nrenumber as section 382(3)(d)(iii).\n4 Section 398, heading, after ‘timetable’—\ninsert—\nfor baseline assessment plan\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 204\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n5 Section 401(2A)(a), ‘section 397(5)(a)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 397(4)(a)\n6 Section 401(2A)(b), ‘section 397(5)(b)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 397(4)(b)\n7 Section 422, note, ‘(References to resource tenure holder\nin ch 3)’—\nomit.\n8 Section 425(b), ‘section 423(3)(a)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 423(3)\n9 Section 433A(1)(b), ‘section 427(2) or (4)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 427(1), (2) or (4)\n10 Section 435(1)(b), ‘section 423(3)(a)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 423(3)\n11 Section 437, note, ‘is’—\nomit, insert—\nare\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 205\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n12 Schedule 4, definition baseline assessment plan, ‘section\n397(4)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 397(3)\n13 Schedule 4, definition residential complex—\nomit.\nPart 2 Amendments commencing by\nproclamation\nAnti-Discrimination Act 1991\n1 Section 131B, definition resource project—\nomit.\n2 Schedule 1, definition resource project—\nomit.\nCoal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999\n1 Section 70(6)—\ninsert—\nERA code see the Environmental Protection Act\n1994, schedule 4.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"retrieval-0018","sectionType":"document_chunk","heading":"Document excerpt 18","content":"Schedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 206\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n2 Section 70(6), definition holder, from ‘includes’—\nomit, insert—\nincludes—\n(a) the holder of an environmental authority to\ncarry out on-site activities for land on which\nthe coal mine is located; and\n(b) a person who carries out on-site activities\nfor land on which the coal mine is located\nunder an ERA code.\nCoastal Protection and Management Act 1995\n1 Section 85(b)(iii)(B), after ‘activity’—\ninsert—\nfor which an environmental authority is required\nunder the Environmental Protection Act 1994\nEnvironmental Protection Act 1994\n1 Particular references to prescribed ERA—\nEach of the following provisions is amended by omitting\n‘prescribed ERA’ or ‘prescribed ERAs’ and inserting ‘general\nERA’ or ‘general ERAs’—\n• section 87(5), definition relevant activity\n• section 120(1), (2)(a) and (3)\n• section 125(1)(m), (5) and (7)(a)\n• section 200(1)(a)\n• section 203(1)(b)\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 207\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n• section 225(1)\n• section 226A(4)\n• chapter 5, part 9, heading\n• section 251\n• section 278(2)(h)\n• chapter 5, part 14, division 2, heading\n• section 307\n• section 310(4)\n• section 318W(1) and (2), definition regulated waste\ntransport\n• section 538(1)(a)\n• section 580(4)\n• schedule 2, part 2\n• schedule 4, definition anniversary day, paragraph 1(b)\n• schedule 4, definition financial assurance\n• schedule 4, definition holder, paragraph 2\n• schedule 4, definition mobile and temporary\nenvironmentally relevant activity\n• schedule 4, definition small scale mining activity,\nparagraphs (a)(vii) and (b)(vi).\n2 Particular references to resource activity—\nEach of the following provisions is amended by omitting\n‘resource activity’ or ‘resource activities’ and inserting\n‘resource ERA’ or ‘resource ERAs’—\n• section 37(1)(b)\n• section 38(2)(d)\n• section 87(5), definition relevant activity\n• section 117\n• section 126A\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n29\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 208\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n• section 143(1)\n• section 152(2)(b)(i)\n• section 153(1)(a)\n• section 155\n• section 200(1), note and (2)(a)\n• section 206, heading and subsection (1)\n• section 212A(1)\n• section 215(2)(p) and (r)\n• section 224, examples, first dot point\n• section 227AA(1)(a)(ii)\n• section 230(1)(a)\n• section 262(1)(d)(ii)\n• section 264(c) and (d)\n• section 264A(1)(b)(i)\n• section 266(2)(c) and (d)\n• section 267(2)\n• section 271(1)\n• section 272(b)(iii)\n• section 274(1)\n• section 278(2)(i)\n• section 283(2)\n• section 291, note\n• chapter 5, part 14, division 1, heading\n• section 296, definitions ERC decision, ERC period and\nestimated rehabilitation cost\n• section 297\n• section 298\n• section 299A\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 209\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n• section 300\n• section 301(2)(a)\n• section 302(1)\n• section 303(1)(a) and (2)(a)\n• section 304\n• section 305(1)(a) and (4), definition current decision\n• section 306(1)\n• section 316IA(3)\n• section 318O(1)(b)\n• chapter 5A, part 6, heading\n• section 326(1)(a)\n• section 520(2)(b)\n• schedule 2, part 1, division 3\n• schedule 2, part 1, division 5, entries for sections\n322(1), 324(1)(d), 326(1), 357E (both entries), 357J\n• schedule 2, part 1, division 6\n• schedule 4, definition anniversary day, paragraph 1(a)\n• schedule 4, definition estimated rehabilitation cost\n• schedule 4, definition holder, paragraph 3\n• schedule 4, definition minor ERC change\n• schedule 4, definition relevant tenure\n• schedule 4, definition residual risks.\n3 Particular references to resource project—\nEach of the following provisions is amended by omitting\n‘resource project’ or ‘resource projects’ and inserting\n‘resource ERA project’ or ‘resource ERA projects’—\n• section 126A, heading and subsection (1)(a)\n• section 126E(a) and (c)(ii)\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n27\n28\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 210\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n• section 224, examples, first dot point\n• section 227AA(1)(a)(i)\n• section 250A(1)\n• section 250B(b)\n• section 250D(b)\n• section 318Z(1)\n• section 318ZC\n• section 318ZI(2)(b)\n• schedule 4, definition certified area.\n4 Schedule 4, definition contaminated land register,\n‘540A(1)(d)(ii)’—\nomit, insert—\n540A(1)(f)(ii)\n5 Schedule 4, definition environmental management\nregister, ‘540A(1)(c)(i)’—\nomit, insert—\n540A(1)(e)(i)\nForestry Act 1959\n1 Section 34(3), after ‘permit’—\ninsert—\n, commercial activity agreement\n2 Part 4, division 2, after heading—\ninsert—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 211\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\nNote—\nSee part 6, division 3 for additional provisions about\npermits etc.\n3 Section 40A(1), after ‘commercial activity permit’—\ninsert—\n, including a permit that is part of a single\nintegrated permission,\n4 Part 6, division 3, heading, after ‘permits’—\ninsert—\netc.\nGeothermal Energy Act 2010\n1 Sections 39(2)(b)(iii), 57(2)(d)(ii), 62(2)(d)(ii), 81(e),\n97(2)(d)(ii), 102(d)(ii), 294(2)(b)(iv), ‘the relevant’—\nomit, insert—\nany relevant\n2 Sections 187(2) and 303(1)(b) and (c), after ‘authority’—\ninsert—\n(if any)\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 212\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\nGreenhouse Gas Storage Act 2009\n1 Sections 40(2)(b)(iii), 96(2)(b)(iv), 118(1)(e), 130(2)(b)(iv)\nand 235(2), ‘a relevant’—\nomit, insert—\nany relevant\n2 Section 179(1)(c), after ‘authority’—\ninsert—\n(if any)\nMineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions)\nAct 2014\n1 Section 19B(6)(b), ‘other than a small scale mining\ntenure’—\nomit, insert—\nfor a resource ERA\n2 Section 21(1)(a), from ‘that is either’—\nomit, insert—\nthat is a changed holder event under the Mineral\nand Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning)\nAct 2018 for a resource authority that authorises\nthe carrying out of a resource ERA for an\nenvironmental authority; and\n3 Section 21(1)(b), ‘or small scale mining tenure’—\nomit.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 213\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n4 Section 21(2), ‘, or small scale mining tenure,’—\nomit.\n5 Section 59—\ninsert—\n(5A) If the resource authority holder is carrying out an\nauthorised activity for the resource authority\nunder an ERA code under the Environmental\nProtection Act 1994, the reference in subsection\n(5) to a condition applying to the resource\nauthority includes a reference to a condition of the\nERA code applying to the carrying out of the\nactivity.\n6 Section 68(1)(a)(ii)(B), ‘prescribed ERA’—\nomit, insert—\ngeneral ERA\nMineral and Energy Resources (Financial\nProvisioning) Act 2018\n1 Sections 8, 27(2)(a)(i), 31A(2), 43(1), 47(1)(c), note and\nschedule 1, definitions environmental authority and\nresidual risk payment amount, ‘resource activity’—\nomit, insert—\nresource ERA\n2 Sections 27(3)(b)(i), 32(6)(b)(i) and 38(6)(b)(i), ‘resource\nproject’—\nomit, insert—\nresource ERA project\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n25\n26\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 214\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n3 Schedule 1, definition administering authority, ‘or small\nscale mining tenure’—\nomit.\n4 Schedule 1, definition holder, from ‘or small’ to ‘or\ntenure’—\nomit, insert—\n, means the holder of the authority\n5 Schedule 1, definition resource activity, ‘section 107’—\nomit, insert—\nschedule 4\n6 Schedule 1—\ninsert—\nresource ERA see the Environmental Protection\nAct 1994, schedule 4.\nresource ERA project see the Environmental\nProtection Act 1994, section 112.\nMining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999\n1 Section 61(6)—\ninsert—\nERA code see the Environmental Protection Act\n1994, schedule 4.\n2 Section 61(6), definition holder, from ‘includes’—\nomit, insert—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 215\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\nincludes—\n(a) the holder of an environmental authority to\ncarry out operations for land on which the\nmine is located; and\n(b) a person who carries out operations for land\non which the mine is located under an ERA\ncode.\nPetroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004\n1 Sections 41(2)(b)(iii), 84(2)(b)(iv), 121(1)(f), 132(2)(b)(iv),\n164(2)(b)(iii), 170D(2)(b)(iii), 178(2), 192(2), 396(2)(b),\n410(1)(a)(ii), 422A, 446(1)(a)(ii), 482(2)(b), ‘a relevant’—\nomit, insert—\nany relevant\n2 Section 394(2)(e), ‘the relevant’—\nomit, insert—\nany relevant\n3 Section 578(1)(c) and (d), after ‘authority’—\ninsert—\n(if any)\nPlanning Act 2016\n1 Section 267(1)(b)(ii), ‘any authority’—\nomit, insert—\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 216\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\nany authorisation\n2 Section 267(1)(b)(ii)—\ninsert—\nExamples of an authorisation for subparagraph (ii)—\n• an environmental authority issued under the\nEnvironmental Protection Act\n• an ERA code in effect under the Environmental\nProtection Act\nRecreation Areas Management Act 2006\n1 Section 40, ‘Marine Parks Act 1982’—\nomit, insert—\nMarine Parks Act 2004\n2 Before section 49—\ninsert—\nSubdivision 1 Granting commercial\nactivity permits\n3 Section 52(5), ‘joint permission’—\nomit, insert—\nGBR region permit\n4 Section 53(3)(d)(iv), ‘the Marine Parks Act 1982 or’—\nomit.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 217\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n5 Section 54(2)(d), from ‘if’ to ‘joint permission permit—’—\nomit.\n6 Before section 55B—\ninsert—\nSubdivision 2 Renewing and amending\ncommercial activity\npermits\n7 Section 55B(1), after ‘commercial activity permit’—\ninsert—\n, including a permit that is part of a single\nintegrated permission,\n8 Section 56(4A), ‘joint permission’—\nomit, insert—\nGBR region permit\n9 Section 59(3), from ‘for an’—\nomit, insert—\nin relation to an application for a commercial\nactivity permit or the transfer of a commercial\nactivity permit.\n10 Section 60, heading, ‘Permits’—\nomit, insert—\nMatters to be stated in permits\n11 Section 66(1), ‘returning it and’—\nomit.\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n22\n23\n24\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 218\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n12 Section 68, ‘joint permission permit’—\nomit, insert—\ncommercial activity permit\n13 Section 111(1), ‘in a’—\nomit, insert—\nin relation to a\n14 Section 111(2), ‘in the’—\nomit, insert—\nin relation to the\n15 Section 132, ‘Marine Parks Act 1982’—\nomit, insert—\nMarine Parks Act 2004\n16 Section 210, ‘section 208(2)’—\nomit, insert—\nsection 208(1)(c)\nStrong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act\n2017\n1 Schedule 1, definition large resource project, ‘a resource\nproject’—\nomit, insert—\na resource ERA project\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 219\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n2 Schedule 1, definition resource project—\nomit, insert—\nresource ERA project see the Environmental\nProtection Act 1994, section 112.\nWaste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011\n1 Sections 72G(2)(b) and 72H(2)(b), after ‘for which the\noperator’—\ninsert—\nis required to but\n2 Schedule 1, definition waste facility, paragraph 2(b),\n‘resource activities’—\nomit, insert—\nresource ERAs\n3 Schedule 1, definition waste facility, paragraph 2(c) and\n(d)(iii)(B), ‘resource activity’—\nomit, insert—\nresource ERA\nWater Act 2000\n1 Section 98(2), definition resource activity, ‘section 107’—\nomit, insert—\nschedule 4\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n9\n10\n11\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n20\n21\n\nSchedule 1\nEnvironmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment\nBill 2025\nPage 220\nAuthorised by the Parliamentary Counsel\n2 Section 738K, ‘prescribed ERA’—\nomit, insert—\ngeneral ERA\nWater Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008\n1 Schedule 3, definition wastewater, paragraph (b), ‘section\n107’—\nomit, insert—\nschedule 4\n© State of Queensland 2025\n1\n2\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8","sortOrder":17}],"analysis":{"summary":{"status_summary":"The bill has been introduced in the Queensland Legislative Assembly and referred to a parliamentary committee for further consideration.","complexity_score":9,"likely_questions":["What specific activities are expected to become code-managed ERAs, and when will the first ERA codes be approved?","How will existing environmental authority holders transition to the new code regime, and what are the deadlines?","What happens to current public interest evaluations that were underway before the bill commenced?","How will the removal of public notification for draft terms of reference affect community input into environmental impact assessments?"],"complexity_factors":["Amends 15 separate Acts with interdependent changes","Dual commencement structure (assent and proclamation) creates implementation uncertainty","Introduces entirely new regulatory category (code-managed ERAs) with registration and transition pathways","Extensive transitional provisions that preserve old rules for existing matters","Technical concepts like PRCP schedules, baseline assessment strategies, and residual risk payments require specialised knowledge"],"plain_english_summary":"The bill overhauls Queensland’s environmental regulation to streamline approvals and cut perceived red tape. It lets many low-risk activities be managed by regulation‑approved ERA codes instead of individual environmental authorities, removes some public notification and public‑interest checks, tightens PRCP enforcement for mining leases, and updates offences, seizure and water‑management rules. \n\nWho it matters to: mining, petroleum, gas and related operators, ERA proponents, landholders with bores, and approval agencies — speeding approvals and standardising compliance but reducing site‑specific scrutiny and shifting discretion to regulators."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":9,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Yes. The Bill goes beyond narrow 'efficiency' tweaks and changes the regulatory model in multiple ways: it replaces or removes a prior public interest evaluation pathway, creates a new subordinate instrument route (ERA codes) that can supplant individual environmental authorities for many routine activities (new ch 6, ss 551A–D and 318ZK–318ZZ), and centralises significant operational discretion with the chief executive (audit, registration, rehabilitation directions). It also introduces broader enforcement tools (seizure/forfeiture) and substantial transitional arrangements across mining, water, forestry and recreation law (new ch 13 pt 35 and many transitional clauses). Mechanically these are a shift from project‑by‑project environment impact assessment toward a greater role for performance standards codified in regulations and codes, with attendant transfer of decision weight to administrative rule‑making and registration systems (see s 551A–D; omission of public interest evaluation provisions; and amendments linking to Coordinator‑General EIS/IAR decisions in ss 125, 139 and 150)."},"complexity_factors":["Very large bill amending many Acts and regulations across multiple portfolios (Environmental Protection Act 1994 plus ~15 other Acts and State regulations—see schedule 1 and Parts 3–16).","Length and density: Bill runs to over 200 pages with many new chapters, parts and schedules (e.g. new ch 6 on code‑managed ERAs, new ch 13 pt 35 transitional provisions spanning sections 826–861).","Many new defined terms and deletion/replacement of older terms (replacement of 'prescribed ERA' with 'general ERA', insertion/deletion of multiple definitions in schedules—see multiple amendments to sch 4).","New regulatory architecture introduced (ERA codes & GED codes) with detailed administrative processes and offences (new ss 551A–551D, new ch 6 sections 318ZK–318ZZ, offence s 435A).","Extensive transitional regime with nested exceptions, restarts and grandfathering (dozens of transitional sections; restart rules for transfers; special small‑scale mining transition provisions).","Numerous cross‑references to the State Development Act (Coordinator‑General EIS/IAR) and conditional logic letting those outcomes replace Environmental Protection Act stages (amendments to ss 125, 126, 139, 150, 226A).","Insertion, omission and replacement of enforcement powers (replacement ss 462–463, new forfeiture powers s 463E) and many related procedural duties (receipts, access, return, time limits).","Multiple new timelines and procedural deadlines (e.g. residual risk default 6 months s 271, audit/reporting timeframes s 285, changed limitation periods s 497), increasing nested calendar logic.","Inter‑Act coordination burdens: amendments touch planning, water, forestry, petroleum, mining, waste, and recreation law—requiring harmonised registers and decision‑making across agencies (amendments to s 540 & s 540A and many cross‑Act changes).","Introduces both discretionary administrative powers and prescriptive statutory duties (mix of director discretion and fixed time/registration rules) increasing conditional branches for decision‑makers."],"plain_english_summary":"**What this Bill does (mechanics first)\n\n- Re-writes large parts of Queensland's environmental and related laws to shorten or remove some assessment steps, create a new ‘code-managed’ pathway for routine activities, and add or change enforcement and transitional rules. The Bill amends the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and about a dozen other Acts and regulations (for example, Forestry Act 1959, Water Act 2000, Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Act 2018) (see schedule 1 and multiple amending clauses).  \n\n- Key mechanical changes:\n  - Removes the existing public interest evaluation scheme and related reporting steps (several provisions and definitions are omitted; see omission of chapter 5, part 15, division 4A and omission of sections such as 136A and related definitions in s 112).  \n  - Allows reliance on Coordinator‑General EIS/IAR decisions (State Development Act processes) to short‑circuit parts of the Environmental Protection Act assessment (amendments to ss 125, 126, 139, 150 and 226A add explicit cross‑references to Coordinator‑General EIS/IAR outcomes).  \n  - Creates a new regime for activities to be regulated by enforceable codes (\"ERA codes\"): the Bill inserts a new chapter (ch 6) that (i) authorises the chief executive to make ERA codes, (ii) requires registration to carry out some code‑managed ERAs, (iii) provides a process for transitioning existing environmental authorities into ERA codes, and (iv) makes contravening an ERA code an offence (see new sections 551A–D; new Part 1 of ch 6, 318ZK–318ZP; and offence s 435A).  \n  - Clarifies and increases enforcement powers for seizure and retention of seized items and adds a forfeiture power where a person is convicted (replacement ss 462–463 and new Part 2A, s 463E).  \n  - Adds a new ‘‘general rehabilitation direction’’ power that can require holders of mining environmental authorities without a PRCP schedule to undertake specified rehabilitation (new s 316S), and makes surrender and residual‑risk timeframes explicit (s 271 updated to a 6‑month default; new s 273A allows a single agreed extension).  \n  - Changes PRCP schedule audit powers (administering authority can direct an audit in specified circumstances and sets timeframes for audit reports; see amended s 285).  \n  - Reduces or removes some public notification and information stages for applications where an EIS or IAR has already been publicly notified or evaluated (amendments to ch 3 provisions and ss 41A, 46, 49, 56, 65, 67, 68, 139, 150).  \n  - Introduces a detailed set of transitional provisions to govern how existing approvals, draft TORs, ongoing public interest evaluations, small‑scale mining and sureties are handled (new ch 13 pt 35 and many transitional sections such as 826–861, and Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) transitional section 110).  \n  - Reworks how some permits and commercial activity permissions operate in forestry and recreation areas (single integrated permissions, commercial activity agreements, transfer rules; see Forestry Act changes s 38 and inserted agreement provisions, and Recreation Areas Management Act s 55A/55L).  \n  - Strengthens water‑baseline and ‘‘make‑good’’ processes: baseline assessment strategies and timetables for cumulative management areas (new ss 379A–379B) and new obligations for annual reporting on make‑good compliance (new s 437B).  \n\nWhy the Bill says it matters (official rationale stated by the instrument)\n\n- The Bill presents these changes as measures to improve \"efficiency and streamlining\" of environmental regulation: removing duplicate steps where a State Development (Coordinator‑General) EIS/IAR has already addressed issues, replacing repetitive site‑by‑site assessment for low/known risk activities with standard ERA codes, and tidying timeframes and enforcement tools so regulators can act more predictably (see repeated references linking Environmental Protection Act stages to Coordinator‑General EIS/IAR outcomes in ss 125, 139, 150 and the introduction of ERA codes in s 551A).  \n\nTesting the stated purpose against costs, incentives and trade‑offs (practical effects and mechanisms)\n\n- Who decides and where discretion sits\n  - The chief executive (department) gains new rule‑making and code‑making functions (new s 551A–D) and expanded enforcement discretion (audit notices s 285; rehabilitation directions s 316S). Those powers are implemented by administrative notice, approval by regulation, or internal decision—so the practical effect is to shift some decision weight from public consultation/third‑party reports to administrative instrument and departmental discretion.  \n\n- Who pays / who bears cost\n  - Regulated operators: adopting or complying with ERA codes, registration, audits, make‑good obligations, PRCP audits, and residual risk payments impose compliance and transaction costs on resource companies, operators, and permit holders (see registration and fee rules in new chapter 6; audit costs under amended s 285; residual risks s 271 and extension s 273A).  \n  - Small‑scale miners: on one path the Bill explicitly provides transitional release of sureties for some small‑scale tenures (transitional pt in Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) s 110), which reduces ongoing financial liability for that group.  \n  - The State/regulator: could reduce administrative costs by avoiding repeat assessments when Coordinator‑General decisions exist, and by using codes instead of full environmental authority processes; but the State will also perform new work implementing codes, registrations, audits and transitional arrangements.  \n\n- Behavioural changes encouraged or enabled\n  - Firms can shift from seeking individual environmental authorities to operating under ERA codes where declared (new ch 6, 318ZK–318ZZ). That reduces per‑project application time and may lower transaction costs for routine, well‑known‑risk activities.  \n  - Applicants may rely on State Development EIS/IAR outcomes to shorten process steps under the Environmental Protection Act (ss 125, 139, 150)—this incentivises earlier or parallel use of the Coordinator‑General process for multi‑agency single EISs.  \n  - Regulators can require audits and give rehabilitation directions; holders face stronger compliance surveillance (s 285, s 316S).  \n\n- Compliance burden and administrative risk\n  - ERA codes centralise technical standards into subordinate instruments (chief executive publishes codes, but codes take effect only when approved by regulation—see ss 551B and 551D). The burden shifts from bespoke approval processes (public EIA steps) to compliance with rules made by regulation. That can reduce variability and permit quicker approvals, but also concentrates risk in the quality of code drafting and in administrative enforcement.  \n  - Transitional rules are extensive and complex (new ch 13 pt 35 and multiple transitional sections). Implementing agencies will need substantial administrative capacity to manage transfers, refunds, auditable decisions and to track which applications remain under the \"old\" rules.  \n\n- Trade‑offs and opportunity costs\n  - Faster handling of routine activities vs narrower public scrutiny: removing public interest evaluations and cutting notification/information stages where a State EIS/IAR exists reduces duplication and speed, but also removes an explicit public‑facing step in some project approvals (omission of public interest evaluation regime; amendments to s 56 and related procedural sections). The Bill leaves intact some public notice duties but narrows where they apply.  \n  - Consolidation into codes may lower unit compliance costs for firms with many small operations, while raising the importance of getting code content ‘‘right’’—errors or gaps in a code could impose systemic risks across many operators.  \n\n- Effects on competition, contracts and private choice\n  - Operators that can comply with ERA codes will face lower marginal costs for repeated, routine approvals (benefit concentrated for frequent operators). Smaller or one‑off operators may find code registration and compliance costs relatively higher in proportion to their operations.  \n  - The Bill creates clearer transfer and refund rules (for e.g., surrender and refunds of annual fees when switching to a code: new 318ZZ), which facilitates tradeability and transfer of permits/agreements (forestry and recreation area permit transfer rules and ‘‘single integrated permission’’ concepts). This can support commercial assignment and secondary markets for permissions.  \n\n- Enforcement and sanctioning changes\n  - New and clarified seizure, retention and forfeiture powers (replacement ss 462–463 and new s 463E) expand what the regulator can seize and for how long; courts can now order forfeiture after conviction. That increases the State’s ability to remove instruments or equipment used in offences.  \n  - The Bill raises or clarifies penalties for breaching ERA codes (s 435A—maximum penalties stated) and introduces offences for interfering with seized things (s 463A).  \n\n- Concentrated benefits and diffuse costs\n  - Concentrated benefits: companies carrying routine resource or agricultural activities that can be moved to ERA codes (lower per‑activity regulatory cost and faster approvals).  \n  - Diffuse costs: the public and some local stakeholders may see fewer engagement opportunities for some decisions (less public notification where Coordinator‑General processes exist, omission of public interest evaluations for certain approvals). The administrative costs of implementing the transition are borne by the regulator, ultimately funded from consolidated revenue and fees.  \n\n- Implementation risks and complexity\n  - The Bill creates a complex lattice of cross‑references to the State Development Act, multiple new code instruments, new registration and surrender rules, and many transitional exceptions (see new ch 6 and new ch 13 pt 35). Implementation will require detailed regulatory drafting, new IT/register entries (s 540 and s 540A amendments), and staff guidance.  \n\nConcrete mechanisms to watch (examples and sections)\n- Code pathway: New ERA codes are made and approved by regulation; the chief executive consults and publishes (new ss 551A–551D). Contravention of an ERA code is an offence (s 435A). Registration rules are in new ss 318ZK–318ZP.  \n- Reliance on Coordinator‑General EIS/IAR: multiple amendments let administering authorities accept Coordinator‑General EIS/IAR outcomes to skip the information or notification stages (see ss 125, 126, 139, 150, 226A).  \n- Rehabilitation and surrender: PRCP schedule audit and rehabilitation directions are reworked (amended s 285; new s 316S); residual risks payments have a 6‑month default with one extension by agreement (s 271; new s 273A).  \n- Seizure and forfeiture: replacement ss 462–463 and new s 463E introduce seizure safeguards (receipts/notice), access rights, return rules and court forfeiture powers.  \n- Water baseline / make‑good: new baseline assessment strategy and timetable rules for cumulative management areas (ss 379A–379B); new bore assessment application route and annual make‑good reporting requirement (s 419B–419C; s 437B).  \n\nBottom line — who gains and who decides\n- Gains: operators of routine, known‑risk activities (resource or general ERAs) who can be regulated by ERA codes gain faster, standardised paths and lower per‑project transaction costs (see ch 6 insertion and s 20 & 20A policy). Small‑scale mining holders may benefit from transitional surety release in the financial provisioning amendments (Financial Provisioning Act transitional provision s 110).  \n- Decisions: the chief executive and administering authorities gain more administrative tools and discretion (code‑making, registration, audits, rehabilitation directions, seizure/forfeiture and many transitional choices). Courts retain sanctioning powers including forfeiture.  \n\nImplementation watchlist (practical risks)\n- Code content and regulatory quality: how ERA codes are drafted, consulted on and approved will determine environmental outcomes (ss 551B–551D).  \n- Administrative capacity: registers, refund calculations, audit notice administration and cross‑agency coordination (Coordinator‑General links) will create short‑term burdens (see changes to s 540, s 540A, and new transitional part ch 13 pt 35).  \n- Public engagement: removing or narrowing public interest evaluations and notification steps will change who sees, and can make submissions on, projects (see omission of public interest evaluation regime and changes to s 56).  \n\nIf you want next\n- I can prepare a short briefing that: (a) lists the sections you should read first for your sector (mining, petroleum, water, forestry, or local government), (b) maps the transition timeline and transitional protections (key transitional sections and dates), or (c) drafts simple compliant checklists for an operator moving from an environmental authority to an ERA code. Say which option you want and which sector to prioritise."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/environmental-protection-efficiency-and-streamlining-and-other-legislation-amendment-bill-2025","history":"/api/acts/environmental-protection-efficiency-and-streamlining-and-other-legislation-amendment-bill-2025/history","analysis":"/api/acts/environmental-protection-efficiency-and-streamlining-and-other-legislation-amendment-bill-2025/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/environmental-protection-efficiency-and-streamlining-and-other-legislation-amendment-bill-2025/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/environmental-protection-efficiency-and-streamlining-and-other-legislation-amendment-bill-2025/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/environmental-protection-efficiency-and-streamlining-and-other-legislation-amendment-bill-2025/documents"}}