Background

On 5 February 2021, the Environmental Protection Amendment Act 2020 (EP Amendment Act 2020) Commencement Proclamation 2021 was gazetted.  The Act amendments were passed by both houses of the Western Australian Parliament in November 2020 and represent the most significant modernisation of the Act since its introduction in 1986.

As of 6 February 2021, the below sections of the EP Amendment Act 2020 came into force:

*Section 4 comes into operation immediately after section 32 comes into operation.

CME Position

CME welcomes the commencement of the EP Amendment Act 2020. Numerous other amendments of significance to members remain to be proclaimed. 

It is CME’s understanding that the priorities for proclamation and preparation of subsidiary regulations and other requirements remain focused on cost recovery, administrative improvements to Part IV, implementing single licensing instrument requirements and prescribed activities for Part V, and streamlining native vegetation clearing requirements. At this stage, CME understands public consultation on matters such as cost recovery and changes to Part IV administrative procedures will commence as early as possible after the March 2021 election.

CME will continue to keep members up to date on the progress of commencement of the Act and will engage with members through the Environment Committee and Approvals Working Group in upcoming consultation on draft amendments to supporting regulations. 

CME looks forward to further engaging with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) during this process.