Queensland's greentape reduction reforms take important step with passage of EPOLA

Stage 2 of the Queensland Government's greentape reduction reforms has been completed with the passage of the Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 (EPOLA) on Tuesday by the Queensland Parliament.

The final form of EPOLA however is different to the version originally introduced into Parliament, with some important amendments being made to the Bill in committee, including amendments to the definition of "serious environmental harm" to include the harm caused to an area of high conservation value or an area of special significance, such as the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Further amendments in committee related to the enforceable undertakings, environmental offsets, contaminated land and the duty to notify.