To whom it may concern,

RE: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

Can you please advise if the following two sections are ‘optional’ or ‘required’ fields for a successful transmission of the EPBC Referral of proposed action pro forma:

  • 6 Public Consultation (including with Indigenous stakeholders)
  • 3 (i) Indigenous heritage values

That is, is the submitter required to undertake investigation and reportage for these sections  to include in the submission – or, for example, is ‘No public consultation has occurred at this stage’ permissible for 2.6 section?

Please confirm.

Kind regards,

Jo Martin

REPLY RECEIVED: 27 Jan 17

Hi Jo

Thank you for enquiry.

The Department of the Environment and Energy has developed a product called Online Services enabling clients to lodge their referrals electronically and make payments using the online payment system https://onlineservices.environment.gov.au/. Please find attached a Quick Reference Guide which provides you with an overview of the online services and directions on how to log in.

Section 2.6 Public Consultation (including with Indigenous stakeholders) is now referred to as Section 1.13 in the online form and Section 3.3(i) Indigenous heritage values is now referred to as Section 3.9. Both sections require a response to be provided in the online form. A response of ‘no public consultation has occurred at this stage’ is permissible if that is the case for Section 1.13. Relevant information should be provided at Section 3.9 in relation to describing any Indigenous heritage values relevant to the project area.

Please do not hesitate to contact Referrals Gateway (EPBC.Referrals@environment.gov.au) if you experience any difficulties submitting your referral through Online Services.

Kind regards

Nicole

Nicole Durie | Referrals Gateway
Environment Standards Division
Department of the Environment and Energy
Ph: 02 6274 2766

REPLY SENT: 2 FEB 17

Hi Nicole,

Thanks for that clarification.

Can you please advise if – for this section:

3.3 (a) Flora and fauna

It is permissible to put ‘Flora and fauna surveys have not occurred at this stage’

Thanks for your advice on this one.

Kind regards,

jo