Do projects in a local government area need approval from the Australian environment minister?
Projects in a local government area may need the approval of the Australian environment minister in addition to local and state approvals. Developments that comply with local and state requirements may still need to be separately approved by the Australian environment minister. Failure to gain the minister’s approval can leave developers open to unnecessary delays, and even prosecution, if matters protected by the EPBC Act are significantly affected. Local government officials can advise applicants of the need to address the requirements of the EPBC Act in situations where a development proposal may have an impact on a nationally protected matter or the environment of Commonwealth land. Councils are not responsible for making a referral to the environment minister on behalf of applicants, and the council’s own approval of a project does not need to be referred under the Act.
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- Do projects in a local government area need approval from the Australian environment minister?
