State Policies and Environment Protection Policies

​​​​​​​​​To underpin the environmental management framework in Tasmania, a number of statutory policies exist to provide objectives to be met through a variety of planning and management regimes and instruments.

State Policies

State Policies are made under the State Policies and Projects Act 1993. Currently, there are two State Policies addressing environmental management issues:

National Environment Protection Measures (NEPMs) are also taken to be State Policies in Tasmania. NEPMs are made under Commonwealth legislation, and given effect in Tasmania through the State Policies and Projects Act.

Environment Protection Policies

EPPs are made under section 96K of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA). During the development of an EPP, the EPP Review Panel​ has an important role in considering public submissions on the draft policy, and providing recommendations to the Minister on the adoption of the draft policy.

There are currently two EPPs:

  • State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997
    The State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997 provides a framework for the development of ambient water quality objectives and the management and regulation of point and diffuse sources of emissions to both surface waters and groundwater.
  • Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) 2004
    The Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) 2004 provides a framework for the management and regulation of both point and diffuse sources of emissions to air for pollutants with the potential to cause environmental harm.
  • Environment Protection Policy (Noise) 2009
    The Environment Protection Policy (Noise) 2009 provides a strategic framework for the management and regulation of noise in Tasmania by focussing on objectives and principles for noise control.
  • Environment Protection Policy Review Panel
    Overview of the statutory Panel established to review the development of Environment Protection Policies.