The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (the Department) has introduced a new approvals pathway under Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 for select low-risk prescribed premises categories. The Standardised Approvals Pathway establishes an assessment process where risk is considered upfront through the application of predefined eligibility criteria and standard conditions. The pathway provides an additional assessment pathway for eligible applications while maintaining environmental protections and regulatory requirements. The Standardised Approvals Pathway operates within the existing Part V assessment framework. It does not replace the general assessment pathway.
The Standardised Approvals Pathway is being introduced through a pilot program, with an initial release of select categories. The pilot will allow the Department to monitor the operation of the pathway, gather insights from applications received, and consider feedback from applicants and other stakeholders to inform future refinements and decisions about the pathway’s ongoing implementation.
Is this pathway right for you?
The Standardised Approvals Pathway can only be used where:
- there is a Standardised Approval Pathway available for the relevant prescribed premises category;
- the application meets all defined eligibility criteria; and
- the applicant can comply with all of the standard conditions in the relevant SAP instrument.
In all other cases an application will be assessed through the general assessment pathway.
Quick check – eligible categories
Applicants may refer to the category fact sheets for a high-level overview of eligibility requirements for each category:
Eligible categories
- These categories are currently included in the Standardised Approvals Pathway.
Category 35 + 61A – Asphalt manufacturing (including RAP)
Show moreCategory 54 – Sewage facility (within a mining premises)
Show moreCategory 64 – Class II putrescible landfill (within a mining premises)
Show moreHow the process works
Show moreApplications under the Standardised Approvals Pathway follow the existing Part V works approval and licensing process. Eligibility for the Standardised Approvals Pathway is confirmed during application validation.
1. Application preparation and lodgement
Show moreApplicants are required to:
- review the relevant category guideline;
- complete the eligibility checklist; and
- submit an application via Environment Online (EO), identifying the application as a Standardised Approval; or
- submit an application using the Application for works approval, licence and registered premises, including amendment form, identifying the application as a Standardised Approval.
Applicants may request a scoping meeting with the Department to discuss their proposal and eligibility.
2. Validation
Show moreThe Department will review the application to confirm:
- eligibility for the Standardised Approvals Pathway; and
- that all required information has been provided.
Where an application is complete and eligible, an invoice for the prescribed fee will be issued.
Applications that do not meet the requirements may be progressed under the general assessment pathway.
3. Assessment and advertising
Show moreEligible applications will proceed to assessment and public advertising.
The Department will:
- consider submissions received during the advertising period; and
- determine whether any further information is required.
For the Standardised Approvals Pathway, the advertising periods are:
- Works approvals – 14 calendar days; and
- Licences – 7 calendar days.
4. Decision
Show moreAt the completion of assessment, the Department will:
- issue a decision statement; and
- where applicable, grant a works approval or licence.
The decision will be published for public notification.
How to apply
Show moreTo apply for a Standardised Approval, please visit Environment Online.
Alternatively, complete and submit the ‘Application for works approval, licence and registered premises, including amendment’ form.
Refer to the Procedure: Prescribed premises works approvals and licences for further details.
Feedback
Show moreThe Department welcomes feedback on the Standardised Approvals Pathway during the pilot phase.
Please submit your feedback via the feedback form here SAP Feedback Form.
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