Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Review
Public Information Sessions
EIA is an essential tool for achieving the sustainable development of the Northern Territory, and it’s important that we get it right. The EPA hopes that there will be rigorous, constructive public debate about the reforms required to create a more robust system for the Northern Territory.
Two public panel discussions were held in Darwin on 20 August. The EPA will publish summaries of public comments within the next two weeks.
A public information session will be held in Alice Springs on Tuesday 1 September:
Alice Springs Public Discussion
Presented by EPA Board Member Professor Donna Craig
Tuesday 1 September 2009
5.30pm until 7.00pm
Alice Springs Plaza, 1st Floor conference room,36 Todd Street, Alice Springs
** Please note the change in venue from previously advertised location**
Please let us know that you are coming by phone 8999 3747 or register online.
Download the flyer (pdf 135Kb)
Introductory information
- Discussion Paper (pdf 685Kb) - Released 22 May 2009
- Terms of Reference (pdf 97Kb) - Released 3 February 2009
- Summary of public comments on draft TOR (pdf 107Kb)
Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
Environmental impact assessment developed during the 1960s when it was recognised that certain approaches to development could substantially damage the environment.
At that time there was no voice for the environment in decision making, nor was there a voice for the public.
EIA has evolved around the world and is now a very broad activity that evaluates the economic, socio -cultural and very often the health aspects of a proposal as well as environmental impacts.
All of us inherently want an easy solution, but no one wants to make decisions based on poor information or a limited understanding of technologies.
A good EIA process can ensure that decisions are guided by community values and supported by the best information and evaluation processes. The rules must be clear and consistent, and the process should be transparent and accountable.
This review
The EPA's review is aimed at strengthening the role of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in the Northern Territory. It also recognises the advantages of working towards a more integrated policy framework to support true environmental protection.
In the discussion paper (pdf 685Kb), the EPA evaluates the Northern Territory’s current process, presents some of the issues evident within the current system and suggests preliminary recommendations for public consideration and comment over the next three months.
Following the consultation period currently underway, final recommendations will be provided by the EPA to the Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage. The EPA’s advice will be publicly available, and the Minister is required to respond to the recommendations.
EIA is an essential tool for achieving the sustainable development of the Northern Territory, and it’s important that we get it right. The EPA hopes that there will be rigorous, constructive public debate about the reforms required to create a more robust system for the Northern Territory.
This website presents the review's six key points and answers to some of the questions people will ask about this review. The discussion paper (pdf 685Kb) explores the issues in more detail.
Your comments
People and organisations that are interested in the EIA process are strongly encouraged to tell us what they think about the proposed recommendations and if any other issues are important.
In order to encourage active community participation in this review, EPA Board Members and staff are currently consulting with interested stakeholders. Interested parties are also encouraged to add their name to the mailing list to receive information directly.
Comments are invited on any of the issues raised in the paper.
Please submit your comments by Wednesday 30 September 2009:
Post
EIA Review Consultation
Environment Protection Authority
PO Box 496
Palmerston NT 0831
Email
epa@nt.gov.au
For more information contact the Senior Policy Officer on 08 8999 3702.
