18Time for deciding the application

18 Time for deciding the application

(1) If the application complies with the permit application requirements, the Minister must give the applicant notice of the Minister’s decision on the application within whichever of the following periods applies after the application is lodged: (a) if the permit is for resource production purposes—25 business days; (b) if the permit is for resource exploration purposes—25 business days; (c) if the permit is for opal mining and precious stone prospecting purposes—10 business days; (d) if the permit is for research purposes—20 business days; (e) if the permit is for tourism purposes—10 business days; (f) if the permit is for environmental purposes—10 business days; (g) if the permit is for other purposes—10 business days. (2) If, during the period, the Minister requests further information or documents from the applicant, the period is extended by the time the applicant takes to comply with the request.

Note: If the applicant does not give the information or documents as requested by the Minister, the application is taken to have been withdrawn: see subsection 16(2).