26Environmental decision-making hierarchy

26 Environmental decision-making hierarchy (1) In making decisions in relation to actions that affect the environment, decision-makers, proponents and approval holders must apply the following hierarchy of approaches in order of priority: (a) ensure that actions are designed to avoid adverse impacts on the environment; (b) identify management options to mitigate adverse impacts on the environment to the greatest extent practicable; Environment Protection Act 2019 23 (c) if appropriate, provide for environmental offsets in accordance with this Act for residual adverse impacts on the environment that cannot be avoided or mitigated. (2) In making decisions in relation to actions that affect the environment, decision-makers, proponents and approval holders must ensure that the potential for actions to enhance or restore environmental quality is identified and provided for to the extent practicable.