EXPLANATORY STATEMENT:

This Explanatory Statement relates to the amendment of s57 of the Environment Protection Act 1997 (the Bill). 

Overview of Bill
This Bill essentially amends s57 of the Environment Protection Act 1997. Its main purpose is to modify the annual review period of Environmental Authorisations granted by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The amendment would introduce varying intervals in the review process. The review period would be based on a risk assessment and would be proportionate to the risk posed by the authorized activities potential to cause environmental harm. 

The Bill intends to streamline the review process of Environmental Authorisations, reduce financial burden and time constraints on both the Government and the Industries. The introduction of the amendment would not remove the Authority’s obligation to review every Environmental Authorisation granted nor will it lessen an environmental authorisation holder’s responsibility to comply with all conditions of their environmental authorisation. However, the amendment will reduce the compliance costs associated with annual reviews. 

Summary
The substantive changes include:

•	Environmental Authorisations granted for longer than one year period would be reviewed at varying intervals longer than one year but not exceeding five years. 
•	The Environment Protection Authority may review Environmental Authorisations at anytime that the Authorisation is in effect.