There have been no changes to environmental assessment, approval or regulatory processes at State or Commonwealth levels in response to Covid-19 restrictions.
Numerous projects and developments are likely to have been impacted by social distancing restrictions, and as a result some businesses may be finding it difficult to comply with statutory obligations. Despite these difficulties, we urge businesses engaged in environmental assessment, approval and regulatory processes to continue to comply with statutory obligations, and have compiled information below which may be useful.
The Federal Department of Environment and Energy has not published a statement in relation to any changes to its operations during Covid-19, and we can assume that business is largely continuing as usual.
The EPA, and State regulators including DWER and the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, are providing Covid-19 related updates and information on their websites. We highly recommend keeping informed of these in the coming weeks and months.
If you have any concerns or are experiencing difficulties relating to environmental assessment, approvals or regulatory processes and need assistance, we would like to hear from you. Please feel free to contact any member of our experienced Planning and Environment team.