This Act, consisting of 133 sections divided into nine Parts and completed by seven Schedules, provides for the conservation, management, preservation and protection of the environment. The Act provides for the establishment of the Environmental Protection Authority, for the composition and procedures of the Authority and for its functions and powers. Functions of the Authority include: to conduct environmental impact assessments; to consider and initiate the means of protecting the environment and the means of preventing, controlling and abating pollution and environmental harm; to prepare, and seek approval for, environmental protection policies; and to promote, encourage, coordinate or carry out planning and projects in environmental management. The Act provides for the preparation by the Authority of environmental protection policies for the protection of any portion of the environment and for the prevention, control or abatement of pollution or environmental harm. The Act provides the legislative framework for the environmental impact assessment process in Western Australia. The Act oversees the planning and development proposals and assesses their likely impacts on the environment. The Act further provides for pollution and environmental harm offences; clearing of native vegetation; prescribed premises, work approvals and licences; financial assurances; appointment and powers of inspectors; legal proceedings and penalties; appeals; landfill levies; etc.
Australia · 1986-12-10