Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld)

Environmental Protection Act 1994

An Act about the protection of Queensland's environment

Chapter 1 Preliminary

Part 1 Introductory provisions

1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Environmental Protection Act 1994.

2 [Repealed]

Part 2 Object and achievement of Act

3 Object The object of this Act is to protect Queensland's environment while allowing for development that improves the total quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends (ecologically sustainable development).

4 How object of Act is to be achieved (1) The protection of Queensland's environment is to be achieved by an integrated management program that is consistent with ecologically sustainable development. (2) The program is cyclical and involves the following phases— (a) phase 1—establishing the state of the environment and defining environmental objectives; (b) phase 2—developing effective environmental strategies; (c) phase 3—implementing environmental strategies and integrating them into efficient resource management; (d) phase 4—ensuring accountability of environmental strategies. (3) The relationship between each of the phases is shown in the figure appearing at the end of this Act. (4) Phase 1 is achieved by— (a) researching the state of the environment, including essential ecological processes; and (b) deciding environmental values to be protected or achieved by consulting industry, government departments and the community. (5) Phase 2 is achieved by— (a) developing environmental protection policies that, among other things— (i) decide environmental indicators; and (ii) establish ambient and emission standards for contaminants; and (iii) require waste management, including waste prevention and minimisation; and (iv) advise on management practices; and (b) promoting environmental responsibility and involvement within the community. (6) Phase 3 is achieved by— (a) integrating environmental values into land use planning and management of natural resources; and (b) ensuring all reasonably practicable measures are taken to protect environmental values from all sources of environmental harm; and (c) monitoring the impact of the release of contaminants into the environment; and (d) requiring persons who cause environmental harm to pay costs and penalties for the harm. (7) Phase 4 is achieved by— (a) reviewing the results of human activities on the environment; and (b) evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental strategies; and (c) reporting publicly on the state of the environment.