42Purpose of environmental impact assessment process

42 Purpose of environmental impact assessment process The purpose of the environmental impact assessment process is to ensure that: (a) actions do not have an unacceptable impact on the environment, now or in the future; and (b) all actions that may have a significant impact on the environment are assessed, planned and carried out taking into account: (i) the principles of ecologically sustainable development; and (ii) the environmental decision-making hierarchy; and (iii) the waste management hierarchy; and (iv) ecosystem-based management; and (v) the impacts of a changing climate; and (c) the potential for less environmentally damaging alternative approaches, methodologies or technologies for actions is considered; and (d) the community is provided with an opportunity to participate, and have its views considered, in decisions on proposed actions; and (e) the potential for actions to enhance or restore environmental quality through restoration or rehabilitation is identified and provided for to the extent practicable. Division 1 Purpose of environmental impact assessment process Environment Protection Act 2019 35