ARTICLE · 25 AUGUST 2020

New kid on the block – EPOLA introduces key changes to the resources sector

McCullough Robertson

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2 key aspects of EPOLA are the introduction of a Rehabilitation Commissioner & the expansion of the residual risk framework.

AustraliaEnvironment

Claire Meiklejohn

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On 20 August 2020, the Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2020 (Qld) (EPOLA 2020) received assent and commenced as law.

The two key aspects of EPOLA 2020 are:

(a) providing for the appointment of a Rehabilitation Commissioner with specific functions in relation to mine rehabilitation; and

(b) expanding the residual risk framework applicable around the surrender of a resources environmental authority (EA).

Introduction of a Rehabilitation Commissioner

EPOLA 2020 amends the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) (EP Act) to introduce the appointment of a Rehabilitation Commissioner, an independent statutory role. The Rehabilitation Commissioner is expected to provide independent and technical advice to both the Queensland Government and the resources sector. This advice is not intended to be site-specific.

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