❓ Analysis of DMPE's performance in processing Programme of Works (PoW) and Native Vegetation Clearing Permits (NVCP) applications, revealing a decline in PoW finalisation rates and delays in NVCP processing. The question probes the reasons for these issues and the department's management strategies.
AnsweredQoN 1670Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
With reference to the Approvals Document released by DMPE on 2 December here, https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2025-12/dmpe-approvals_performance_reporting_september2025.pdf, and I ask : (a) The Approvals Performance Report for the September quarter shows Programme of Works (PoW) finalisation within target timelines fell from 71 per cent (June quarter) to just 31 per cent (September quarter). What specific factors led to the fall in performance: (i) Were staff numbers stable across this period; (ii) Was there an increase in the number of PoW seeking approval; and (iii) Were there any new procedures in place; (b) Does the Department of Mining, Petroleum and Exploration have measures in place to anticipate or manage a surge in applications? Were those measures successful for the surge between July and August 2025 referenced in the report? Why did those measures fail to prevent backlog; (c) What is the 10 year average number of PoW applications received per quarter; (d) How many PoW applications were received in the September quarter compared with historical averages; (e) Regarding Native Vegetation Clearing Permits (NVCPs), what proportion of applications remain open (unfinalised) beyond the 60 business-day target: (i) What is the average delay beyond target; (ii) For those open matters, are they with the proponent or Government; and (iii) How many of those NVCPs are waiting on advice from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservations and Attractions; (f) The September quarter Report cites increasing “complexity of applications”: (i) Has the template PoW changed; (ii) Has the NVCP template changed; and (iii) Is there a marked increase in deficient application submissions by proponents; (g) Has the transition to the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration changed the number of regulators assessing a PoW and a NVCP; and (h) As the statutory target for finalising a PoW is 15 business days, what proportion of PoW applications still open after the quarter end: (i) How many are 30, 60, or 90 business-days overdue?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 February 2026
Responded by
Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Response time
1 days
(a) (i)-(ii) Staff numbers were stable; however, the number of experienced assessment staff decreased during this period, resulting in a loss of experience and increased training loads.
(iii) The Eligible Mining Activity framework was introduced on 9 September 2025.
(b) The Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) employs strategies to prioritise and, where necessary, divert environmental officers’ workloads to manage seasonal fluctuations in application surges. These and other measures were implemented in response to the volume of applications received during July and August 2025. As at December 2025 Programmes of Works (PoW) timeframes were within DMPE’s target approval timeframes.
(c) 717.
(d) In the September quarter 746 PoW applications were received. The 10-year average for this period is 788.
(e) (i) The average delay beyond target was 50 business days.
(ii) There is a mix of those which require further information from the proponent and those that are under assessment by DMPE.
(iii) DMPE is unable to retrospectively extract the information requested. Future releases of Resources Online will improve assessment tracking, business intelligence and transparency of Native Vegetation Clearing Permits (NVCP).
(f) (i) The PoW application form was last amended in November 2024.
(ii) The NVCP application form was last amended in March 2024.
(iii) In the September quarter 25 PoW applications were refused as a result of insufficient or incomplete information to complete assessment. In circumstances where proponents submit applications that contain inadequate information to conduct an assessment, DMPE’s approach is to, where possible, work with the proponent to seek further information. DMPE is reviewing strategies to improve supporting policies, guidance and procedures in order to improve the quality of applications.
(g) No.
(h)-(i) There is no statutory target for finalising a PoW.
(iii) The Eligible Mining Activity framework was introduced on 9 September 2025.
(b) The Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) employs strategies to prioritise and, where necessary, divert environmental officers’ workloads to manage seasonal fluctuations in application surges. These and other measures were implemented in response to the volume of applications received during July and August 2025. As at December 2025 Programmes of Works (PoW) timeframes were within DMPE’s target approval timeframes.
(c) 717.
(d) In the September quarter 746 PoW applications were received. The 10-year average for this period is 788.
(e) (i) The average delay beyond target was 50 business days.
(ii) There is a mix of those which require further information from the proponent and those that are under assessment by DMPE.
(iii) DMPE is unable to retrospectively extract the information requested. Future releases of Resources Online will improve assessment tracking, business intelligence and transparency of Native Vegetation Clearing Permits (NVCP).
(f) (i) The PoW application form was last amended in November 2024.
(ii) The NVCP application form was last amended in March 2024.
(iii) In the September quarter 25 PoW applications were refused as a result of insufficient or incomplete information to complete assessment. In circumstances where proponents submit applications that contain inadequate information to conduct an assessment, DMPE’s approach is to, where possible, work with the proponent to seek further information. DMPE is reviewing strategies to improve supporting policies, guidance and procedures in order to improve the quality of applications.
(g) No.
(h)-(i) There is no statutory target for finalising a PoW.
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