We have introduced an escalation protocol to improve the management of environmental impact assessments under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act).
While we work directly with proponents to resolve any issues that arise during the assessment process, the escalation protocol provides a pathway for proponents of significant proposals and schemes under Part IV of the EP Act to escalate assessment issues directly to the department’s senior executive officers for timely resolution.
How can proponents use the escalation protocol?
Show moreThe proponent may contact their assessing officer to advise that they wish to formally escalate the matter under the protocol for consideration by a senior executive.
We will aim to respond promptly to escalation requests to notify proponents that:
- their issue has been escalated and who it has been escalated to; or
- their issue is not covered by the escalation protocol and provide them with guidance on alternative options for resolving their issue.
What issues are covered by the escalation protocol?
Show moreA Part IV assessment issue may be escalated to senior executives through the protocol if it falls under one or more of the following broad categories:
- the proponent experiences delays in their assessment.
- the proponent disagrees with the prioritisation of their assessment.
- the proponent has received multiple requests for further information that are perceived as excessive.
- the assessment timeframes do not align with the proponent’s critical planning milestones.
- the proponent and the department are otherwise unable to reach agreement on issues that arise during an assessment.
Print this page
