Question regarding amendments to the Environmental Protection Act 1986 to prevent unauthorised land clearing and clarification of land use change definitions. The Minister indicates amendments are planned and interim measures are in place, deferring some questions to another Minister.

AnsweredQoN 863Legislative Assembly
Asked
14 November 2000
Member
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

863. Dr EDWARDS to the Minister for the Environment:
(1) What action has been taken to amend the Environmental Protection Act 1986 to prevent landowners from clearing prior to having their applications assessed by the EPA?
(2) When is it expected that the amendments will be presented to Parliament?
(3) What interim action will be taken to prevent clearing prior to EPA assessment?
(4) Has a review of the regulations under which the Soil and Land Conservation Commissioner works been undertaken to clarify the issue of what constitutes a land use change?
(5) If not, why not?
(6) What interim action will be taken to clarify the issue of what constitutes a land use change?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
23 November 2000
Response time
9 days
The Minister Replied:
(1-2) Consultation and drafting are occurring for an Environmental Protection Amendment Bill which is intended to be introduced to Parliament next year. The Bill will include provisions which make it an offence for landowners to undertake unauthorised land clearing.
(3) All relevant Government agencies co operate under the Memorandum of Understanding for the protection of remnant vegetation on private land in the agricultural region ofWestern Australia to make landowners aware that land clearing should not proceed until all necessary approvals are obtained.
(4-6) These questions should be directed to the Minister for Primary Industry.

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