❓ Hon Neil Thomson asks the Premier about the timeline and scope of the proposed approval bilateral agreement under the EPBC Act, referencing previous unsuccessful streamlining attempts. The Premier's response outlines the MOU signing and ongoing scope consideration.
AnsweredQoN 345Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Environmental approvals
345. Hon Neil Thomson to
the Leader of the House representing the Premier:
I refer to the
recent announcement to establish a memorandum of understanding to progress an
approval bilateral agreement under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act and note that previous attempts at environmental streamlining,
including the strategic assessment of Perth and Peel, were ultimately not
completed.
(1) Has the Premier received any
commitment from the Commonwealth regarding a timeline for implementation of the
approval bilateral agreement?
(2) If yes, what is the proposed
timeframe for completion?
(3) Will any proposed bilateral agreement
include an assessment or approval of urban development proposals?
345. Hon Neil Thomson to
the Leader of the House representing the Premier:
I refer to the
recent announcement to establish a memorandum of understanding to progress an
approval bilateral agreement under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act and note that previous attempts at environmental streamlining,
including the strategic assessment of Perth and Peel, were ultimately not
completed.
(1) Has the Premier received any
commitment from the Commonwealth regarding a timeline for implementation of the
approval bilateral agreement?
(2) If yes, what is the proposed
timeframe for completion?
(3) Will any proposed bilateral agreement
include an assessment or approval of urban development proposals?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(3) On 21 April 2026, the Commonwealth
government and the Western Australian Government signed a memorandum of
understanding to progress an assessment bilateral agreement to streamline
environmental approvals, with negotiations to begin on an approvals agreement
shortly after. The scope of the new bilateral agreement is being considered.
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(3) On 21 April 2026, the Commonwealth
government and the Western Australian Government signed a memorandum of
understanding to progress an assessment bilateral agreement to streamline
environmental approvals, with negotiations to begin on an approvals agreement
shortly after. The scope of the new bilateral agreement is being considered.
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