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Mining and minerals sector welcomes DEAP expansion

The Federal Government’s $47 million commitment to roll-out the national Digital Environmental Assessment Program (DEAP) is an important step to more timely and transparent environmental assessments and approvals, according the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA).

The investment to expand the DEAP aims to slash “green tape” for industry, protect the environment and improve transparency in project approvals.

MCA chief executive officer Tania Constable said the digital data lodgement platform will integrate Commonwealth, state and territory requirements and will help reduce duplication, and unnecessary complexity, that delay minerals projects.

“These reforms will support a more efficient assessment process, more consistent decision making and better environmental outcomes,” Constable said.

“It will also help build community confidence by increasing transparency around project approval processes.

“Practical reforms like DEAP are integral to creating investment certainty, supporting regional jobs, businesses and the communities that benefit from minerals development.

“The minerals industry has long-advocated for a consistent and coordinated nationally streamlined digital process approach to environmental data, assessment and approval processes.”

The program, which has been trialled in WA, is expected to improve the process of referrals and environmental assessments under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the funding is an investment in the future of environmental law reform, one that will help the economy and the environment.

“A national DEAP will ensure assessments are based on consistent data, that decisions can be made more quickly, with less cost for all concerned,” Ley said.

“Proponents would submit applications through an integrated ‘portal’ that meets Commonwealth, State and Territory requirements, and which is aligned with a national environmental biodiversity database.

“The current system of multiple development applications being made across multiple jurisdictions invites confusion, delay and unnecessary cost.”

CME Director of Policy and Advocacy Rob Carruthers said with $91 billion of planned and prospective projects in the pipeline across the WA resources sector, there is a significant prize to be realised if these investments can be brought forward.

“This digital assessment program is being piloted in WA and the investment to expand it is welcomed by the WA mining and resources sector,” Carruthers said.

“We have long supported a robust regulatory regime for environmental approvals but one that is efficient, transparent and free from duplication.

“For our sector – and many other industries – removal of regulatory duplication and better coordination of assessments and approvals across government agencies will drive much needed public sector efficiency, and provide business the confidence to invest in major projects.”

Carruthers said it’s not until a project obtains final regulatory approval that material economic and community outcomes begin to flow through.

“We now look forward to working with all levels of government to support the rollout of this integrated ‘portal’ and, importantly, ensure the long-slated Commonwealth-Western Australian environmental approvals bilateral is implemented to unlock ‘single touch’ approvals,” he said.

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