Matters can be lodged directly with the EPA instead of the relevant council to obtain a more streamlined decision-making process. The Minister can only refer a matter to a board of inquiry or the Environment Court if it is, or is part of, a proposal of national significance. You should not lodge a matter with us unless you think that it is nationally significant.
The process of applying to us is similar to applying to a council. The 'Applying to the EPA' guide provides information about the process.
Pre-lodgement process
The processes for matters of national significance are rigorous and have tight timeframes. This means applicants will need to be well prepared.
If you are considering lodging a matter please contact us as early as possible to obtain guidance about the pre- and post- lodgement process, and to ensure that you submit a complete application.
Post-lodgement process
We have 20 workings days after a matter is lodged to provide a recommendation to the Minister for the Environment. Applications that are not complete will not be progressed until all the required information has been received. This will delay the processing time of the application.
Minister's direction
The Minister makes a direction about whether to refer a matter that has been lodged with us to a board of inquiry or the Environment Court.
If the Minister does not refer a matter, we will send it to the relevant local authority who are responsible for dealing with it in the usual manner.
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