Approval system overhauled

The state government has introduced new legislation to reduce the number of planning schemes referred to the Environmental Protection Authority.

Flagged by Premier Roger Cook on December 12 last year, the new regime aims to cut bureaucracy and improve productivity. 

In the past, all local and regional planning schemes were required to be presented to the EPA for approval, irrespective of whether they had minimal to no environmental impact.

Now, schemes that pose little to no environmental impact will be able to bypass this stage.

The recommendation was a focal point of Paul Vogel and David McFerran's recent review into Western Australia's environmental approvals system, which cited considerable administrative red tape under the previous model.

Ahead of today's Business News Future of Energy lunch in Perth, Environment Minister Reece Whitby said the state government would continue to implement recommendations from the review.

“This is a great example of our government’s approach to environmental approvals," he said. 

“It means businesses can get on with doing their job while the EPA spends more of its time protecting the environment.” 

During December's announcement, Mr Cook said changes to the system highlighted that the present model wasn't working and, due to more projects being presented to the EPA, it was putting strain on both the system and entity. 

In addition to the recommendations, the state government said it would invest $18 million towards the rapid deployment of approvals, which would include utilising the services of technical experts and external consultants in a bid to clear major backlogs.