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Application for project change
If a ‘significant project’ has the potential to cause environmental, social or economic impacts, the project proponent must prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS).
Following the publication of the Coordinator-General’s report on the EIS, the proponent may ask the Coordinator-General to evaluate a proposed change to the project and/or a condition of approval for the project.
Application for project change
The application for project change must contain:
- a description of the proposed change and its effect on the project
- the reasons for the proposed change
- adequate material to enable the Coordinator-General to evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed change.
Public consultation
Depending on the nature of the change, the Coordinator-General may require the project proponent to seek comments on the change from state government advisory agencies and the public.
This consultation process is similar to the one that applies to the EIS. The proponent may be asked to respond to the submissions received.
Evaluation of project change
In evaluating the proposed change to the project, the Coordinator-General considers:
- nature of the proposed change and its effect on the project
- environmental impacts of the proposed change
- any properly made submissions on the application for project change
- any other material deemed relevant by the Coordinator-General.
Change report
Following his evaluation, the Coordinator-General writes a change report. The report may state conditions or make recommendations, including amendments to conditions or recommendations set down in the Coordinator-General’s report on the EIS.
If the two reports conflict, the change report prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.
Change reports lapse at the same time as the corresponding Coordinator-General’s report on the EIS.
Public notification
The Coordinator-General’s change report is published on the department’s website.
Also, agencies, organisations and individuals who made submissions on the EIS and/or the application for project change are advised in writing of the report’s release.
Fees
There are fees associated with applications for a project change and the Coordinator-General’s change report.
