Public Consultation – Proposed Amendments To The Environmental Protection Act (Qld)

Following the Independent review of powers and penalties under the EP Act, the Queensland Government is seeking consulting on proposed amendments to the EP Act.

Snapshot

• The Queensland Government has called for submissions on proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act
• The proposed reforms include:
  • Stating clearly in the EP Act the principles that apply to its administration, including polluter pays, the precautionary principle, the principle of primacy of prevention and proportionality;
  • Combining existing powers to issues notices and orders into a Environmental Enforcement Order;
  • Imposing a new “duty to restore” where unlawful environmental harm is caused;