The regulatory system for environmental management and pollution control in Tasmania is provided for by a number of Acts.
Other Acts also have an important role in Tasmania’s planning and management systems. These include:
The framework for management in Tasmania is also influenced by a number of major policies. Relevant Tasmanian statutory policies include:
In addition,
NEPMS, made under the Commonwealth
National Environment Protection Council Act 1995, are taken to be
State Policies in Tasmania.
Environmental management is one of the components of the State’s integrated
Resource Management and Planning System (RMPS).
Organisations
A number of organisations have specific responsibilities under Tasmania’s environmental management and pollution control legislation. The primary organisations are the
EPA (the Board and the Director) and Local Government.
The EPA has statutory responsibilities including assessing and regulating large industry in Tasmania. Other statutory functions include the assessment of Environmental Improvement Programs, Environmental Agreements and Environmental Audits. The EPA Board may also advise the Minister on matters that may significantly affect the achievement of the objectives of the Act. The Director, EPA, also has responsibility for implementation of the Litter Act.
With respect to environmental management and pollution control,
Local Government have roles to assess and manage the impact of activities and developments, as part of the integrated Resource Management and Planning System. In particular, Local Government are the environmental regulator for activities not listed as Level 2 activities in Schedule 2 of EMPCA.
The
Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) is the peak planning body in the State, playing a key role in the State planning system, with specific statutory responsibility in a number of key areas encompassing all aspects of statutory planning, the assessment of major projects and the use of public land, as well as the provision of advice to the Minister and local government in relation to matters related to land use planning.
The Resource and Planning Stream of the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) resolves appeals and applications regarding a wide range of administrative acts and decisions. The Tribunal can also make orders protecting environmental or planning rights and values.
Further information on the State Government's environmental management initiatives is provided on the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania website.