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ARTICLE · 11 NOVEMBER 2014

NSW environmental laws to be strengthened and penalties increased

Corrs Chambers Westgarth
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This new legislation is part of the government's broader package of measures to strengthen environmental laws in NSW.

AustraliaEnvironment
Christine Covington
Christine Covington
Julia Green
Julia Green
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The Protection of the Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2014 (NSW) (Amendment Act) forms part of the State Government's broader package of measures to strengthen environmental laws in NSW, and equip the Land and Environment Court and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) with wider powers. The Amendment Act has passed both Houses of Parliament and is awaiting proclamation.

The Amendment Act amends the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 (CLM Act), the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) and the Radiation Control Act 1990 (RC Act).

HIGHER PENALTIES FOR CONTAMINATION OFFENCES

Under the CLM Act, penalties for contamination offences have substantially increased. For some offences, corporations now face a maximum of $1 million in penalties, and individuals $250,000. In summary:

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