Introduction
The Federal government's marine bioregional planning program
has seen the recent implementation of bioregional plans for several
of Australia's marine regions and the development of a proposed
new marine reserves network that may affect future activities
proposed in Commonwealth waters and the way they are assessed under
the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act).
EPBC Act - background
Under the EPBC Act, an action that has, will have, or is likely
to have a significant impact on the environment in Commonwealth
waters must be referred to the Federal Environment Minister for a
decision about whether it is a 'controlled action' and
therefore requires assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.
Civil penalties and criminal offences apply for undertaking a
controlled action without a necessary approval under the EPBC
Act.
