Office of the Appeals Convenor

We investigate appeals against environmental decision-making in Western Australia on behalf of the Minister for Environment
Last updated:

What we do

The Office of the Appeals Convenor is closed from 25 December 2025 to 2 January 2026. Normal business hours will resume on 5 January 2026.

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Our role is to investigate appeals efficiently and effectively. This includes actively seeking opportunities to resolve issues in dispute through agreement. If the matters in dispute cannot be resolved by consent, we report to the Minister for Environment, whose decision is final and without appeal.

What to expect when lodging an appeal

When an appeal is being investigated

What to expect when an appeal is decided

More information on how we investigate appeals

Who we are

The Appeals Convenor is a statutory office established under section 107A of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The Appeals Convenor is appointed by the Governor for a maximum term of five years and is eligible for reappointment. 

The Appeals Convenor is supported by a small team of professional staff with backgrounds in environmental regulation, native vegetation, law and engineering who are employed under the Public Sector Management Act 1994. The Office of the Appeals Convenor is separate to and independent of the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and the Environmental Protection Authority.

Recent decisions

Recent decisions made by the Minister (please allow a few seconds to load).

The following cases consider the role and function of the Appeals Convenor:

Types of Appeals

Proposals considers by the EPA

Proposals considered by the EPA

Appeals can be lodged against decisions of the EPA not to assess a referred proposal, or against the content of, or recommendations in, EPA reports on proposals and planning schemes.
Emmisions from prescribed premesis

Emissions from prescribed premises

For appeals on works approvals or licences, the original decision continues to have effect until the appeal is determined. Exception: if the holder of a works approval or licence appeals the amendment of that instrument, the amendment is deemed not to have been made until the appeal is determined.
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Clearing of native vegetation

For an appeal lodged against a refusal to grant, the conditions of, or a revocation or suspension of, a clearing permit, the decision against which the appeal was lodged continues to have effect.
Environmental protection and vegetation notices

Environmental protection and vegetation notices

For appeals against the requirements or amendment of a notice, the original decision continues to have effect until the appeal is determined.
Noise regulations

Noise regulations

For appeals against decisions under the Noise Regulations, in most cases the original decision continues in effect until the Minister makes a decision on the appeal.
Other

Other

For both controlled waste licences and action plans for used packaging materials, the original decision continues to have effect until the Minister makes a decision on the appeal.

Ministerial reporting

Contact

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