What happens once an appeal is lodged?
Once an appeal has been received, the Appeals Convenor, acting on behalf of the Minister, is required to seek the advice of the Department of Environment and Conservation or the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The Appeals Convenor decides the most appropriate method of investigation in accordance with the requirements of the Act having regard to the nature and complexity of the issue under appeal. Generally, the Appeals Convenor will discuss the issues with the appellant, the proponent, the EPA and Department of Environment and Conservation. If a large number of appeals are lodged, a meeting for appellants will be held. In some cases, mediation of the issues is carried out which can involve joint meetings with the appellant, the proponent and the EPA or Department of Environment and Conservation. Where the decision under appeal was made by the Minister, the appeal must be determined by an Appeals Committee. For information on the procedures followed in the investigation of ap
