Appeals process overview

Stage 1: Lodgement 

• When: During the appeal period.  
• What happens: Appeals may be lodged by eligible parties.
• Ends: When the appeal period closes. 

Stage 2: Scoping

• When: Begins after the appeal period ends.
• What happens: Appeals are assessed for validity against legislative requirements.
• Timeframe: Within 10 business days.   

Stage 3: Investigation and reporting

• When: Starts once an appeal is deemed valid.
• What happens: The Office of the Appeals Convenor assesses the appeal on its merits.
• Ends: When an appeal report is submitted to the Minister. 
• Timeframe: Target within 60 calendar days of receiving final responses from the original decision-maker and the proponent or instrument holder. Exceptions apply for highly complex appeals. 

Stage 4: Decision-making 

• When: Begins when the Minister receives the appeal report.
• What happens: The Minister considers the report and determines the appeal outcome.
• Ends: When the decision is published, you can find it at: Search appeal. 

Stage 5: Implementation 

• When: Starts once the Minister’s decision is published.
• What happens: The original decision-maker implements the decision.  
• Ends: When the decision is fully implemented. 

Useful links to WA Government appealable decisions 

Clearing decisions

• Department of Water and Environmental Regulation: Available for public appeal 
• Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration: View notifications of clearing permit applications and decisions

Licences and works approvals

• Available for public appeal - Department of Water and Environmental Regulation  

EPA reports

• Public notices | EPA Western Australia  

• Appeals against a decision or recommendation of the EPA | EPA Western Australia  

Ministerial statements

• Ministerial Statements | EPA Western Australia

Noise

• Government Gazettes

Notices

• Environmental enforcement | Western Australian Government