QWaLC encourages you to have your say on the future of environmental regulation in Queensland
Consultation is under way about the possible establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Queensland. The consultation seeks to understand the views and needs of the community and stakeholders about the future of environmental regulation in Queensland. An EPA is an organisation responsible for environmental protection and regulation.In Australia and around the world, there are different models for environmental regulators. One of the key elements of any model is to what level they are designed to ensure objectivity and integrity in decision-making – their level of independence.
The role of Queensland’s environmental regulator is currently undertaken by the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science (DES).
In this role, DES manages and monitors environmental risk through a range of assessment, compliance, investigation and enforcement activities. To ensure compliance with legislation, the department monitors compliance, rewards good performers, conducts educational programs and responds to breaches with enforcement action.
Contemporary, best-practice regulation is constantly evolving and it is critical for both current and future generations that the State’s environmental regulator is positioned to deliver long-term, sustainable outcomes that meet community and industry expectations.
Community consultation
There are different levels of interest, knowledge, opinions and ideas among Queenslanders and our State’s environmental experts.
Consultation activities have been designed for these different groups. epa-community-summary PDF
Queenslanders can have their say about the future of environmental regulation in Queensland by completing a short survey. A community summary publication is also available to help interested people understand more about environmental regulation and the role of independence.
The community survey is available at the In the Loop engagement platform. The survey has nine questions and takes about five minutes to complete. Consultation closes Sunday 6 February 2022.