❓ Hon Robin Chapple questions the EPA's decision to cease printed notifications of project assessments in The West Australian, raising concerns about accessibility for citizens without internet. The Minister responds that the EPA is committed to transparency and uses contemporary technology.
AnsweredQoN 10Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Why has the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) stopped communicating with the public by way of printed notification of its decisions on whether or not to assess projects via the medium of
The West Australian
newspaper?
(2) How are citizens without internet access, or the ability to travel easily to a place with public internet access, able to follow EPA assessments?
(3) What are the obligations of the
Environmental Protection Act 1986
or its regulations pertaining to the requirements of the EPA to advise the public of its assesments?
The West Australian
newspaper?
(2) How are citizens without internet access, or the ability to travel easily to a place with public internet access, able to follow EPA assessments?
(3) What are the obligations of the
Environmental Protection Act 1986
or its regulations pertaining to the requirements of the EPA to advise the public of its assesments?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
11 June 2013
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health representing the Minister for Environment
Response time
28 days
The Minister for Environment has provided the following response.
(1) In November 2010, the Environmental Protection Authority introduced
online consultation on proposals and, at that time, foreshadowed its intention
to phase out print media advertising. Since then, stakeholders have been
encouraged to subscribe to the website for notifications and to take advantage
of online consultation opportunities. Following this transition period,
the Environmental Protection Authority determined to cease advertising as of 1
January 2013.
(2) Internet access is generally available in public libraries.
(3) The Environmental Protection Authority is committed to transparency and
public participation and uses contemporary technology to achieve this end. The Environmental Protection Act 1986 does not oblige the Environmental
Protection Authority to use newspaper advertising to inform the public.
(1) In November 2010, the Environmental Protection Authority introduced
online consultation on proposals and, at that time, foreshadowed its intention
to phase out print media advertising. Since then, stakeholders have been
encouraged to subscribe to the website for notifications and to take advantage
of online consultation opportunities. Following this transition period,
the Environmental Protection Authority determined to cease advertising as of 1
January 2013.
(2) Internet access is generally available in public libraries.
(3) The Environmental Protection Authority is committed to transparency and
public participation and uses contemporary technology to achieve this end. The Environmental Protection Act 1986 does not oblige the Environmental
Protection Authority to use newspaper advertising to inform the public.
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