Media Statements

Media statements are also released by the Minister for Environment.

Please note that the email address for general media enquiries is info.epa@dwer.wa.gov.au.

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EPA recommends approval for Pilbara renewables project
September 13, 2023

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has completed its first assessment in the Pilbara’s Maitland Strategic Industrial Area (MSIA), recommending approval for the Woodside Solar Facility subject to strict conditions.

The proposed solar photovoltaic farm will generate electricity for industrial customers via the North-West Interconnected System and includes up to one million solar panels and a battery energy storage system.

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EPA recommends approval for 10-year Forest Management Plan
September 4, 2023

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has recommended the proposed Forest Management Plan (FMP) 2024-2033 be approved subject to conditions relating to reporting, as well as the recommendation of an independent scientific review of prescribed burning.

EPA Chair Professor Matthew Tonts said central to the assessment was the unique and exceptional diversity of the South West’s forests and the range of environmental, cultural and social values they held.

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EPA report on landfill proposal urges further consultation
May 22, 2023

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has delivered its recommendations on a proposal to construct and operate a landfill near York, noting that the consideration of some impacts to society, economic benefit and land use planning were outside its legal remit under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986.

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EPA’s revised GHG guidance flags deep and substantial cuts
April 5, 2023

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has updated its greenhouse gas guidance to minimise the risk of environmental harm to Western Australia’s environment associated with climate change.

The guidance, first published in April 2020 has been updated to take into account up to date climate science, law and policy, and to reflect the EPA’s view that deep and substantial emission reductions are needed this decade, as well as achievement of net zero by 2050.

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Ningaloo Lighthouse Resort recommended for environmental approval
April 4, 2023

A proposal to redevelop the former Ningaloo Lighthouse Caravan Park site has been recommended for environmental approval by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), subject to conditions including measures to mitigate impacts to turtle nesting.

The proposed resort is adjacent to the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area and
includes visitor accommodation such as hotel rooms and caravan park bays, replacement service station, water supply and treatment, and power supply infrastructure across a 45.3ha site.

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EPA releases advice on unique biodiversity hotspot
October 26, 2022

Public advice to enhance the long-term protection of one of the last remaining and most valuable wetland areas on the Swan Coastal Plain has been released by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

EPA Chair Professor Matthew Tonts said the report on the Greater Brixton Street Wetlands, produced under Section 16 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, would benefit proponents, planners, developers, regulators and landholders.

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Earl Grey Lithium amendment recommended for approval
October 11, 2022

A significant amendment to the Earl Grey Lithium Project has been recommended for environmental approval with mitigation measures proposed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) during the assessment.

The Earl Grey Lithium Project is an open cut lithium mine at the abandoned Mt Holland Mine Site, about 105km south-east of Southern Cross.

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EPA extends consultation on Worsley expansion proposal
August 4, 2022

Stakeholders and community groups will be given an additional two weeks to comment on a proposal by South32 to expand its mining activities in Peel and the South West.

The Worsley Mine Expansion – Revised Proposal is currently being assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). This includes an eight-week opportunity – currently underway on the EPA’s website – to provide feedback on the project’s environmental review.

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Stakeholders invited to comment on greenhouse gas guidelines
July 27, 2022

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is reviewing its Environmental Factor Guideline – Greenhouse Gas Emissions and invites stakeholders and members of the community to provide feedback on the draft.

The purpose of these guidelines, first introduced in April 2020, is to communicate how the greenhouse gas emissions are considered by the EPA in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process.

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North West Shelf Extension recommended for environmental approval
June 30, 2022

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has recommended approval to increase the life of the North West Shelf Extension Project with strict conditions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the existing facility — operating since 1984 — to net zero by 2050.

EPA Chair Professor Matthew Tonts said greenhouse gas emissions had been a critical part of the environmental impact assessment over more than three years.

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