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Environmental impact statement
The proponent of an infrastructure facility of significance (IFS) may also be required to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the facility.
In Queensland, the environmental impacts of infrastructure projects are assessed under the following legislation:
- State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (SDPWO Act)
- Sustainable Planning Act 2009
- Environmental Protection Act 1994
The EIS process is separate from the IFS process.
Essentially, an IFS process is undertaken to secure the land for an infrastructure facility, whereas an EIS process is undertaken to assess an infrastructure project's environmental impacts and ways of avoiding or mitigating any adverse impacts.
However, the assessment of IFS applications does take into account environmental impacts.
Significant projects
Infrastructure project proponents can apply to the Coordinator-General to have their projects declared a 'significant project' under the SDPWO Act.
A 'significant project' declaration does not imply government approval of, support for, or commitment to, the project.
Rather, it means the project requires a rigorous and comprehensive environmental impact assessment, involving whole-of-government coordination.
An infrastructure facility of significance may also be a 'significant project' or a component of a 'significant project' (e.g. the rail corridor component of a coal project).
It is recommended that IFS approvals be sought after the EIS process is complete, or at least well advanced.
