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The NT Government is delivering an important election promise to establish an independent Environment Protection Agency, with the endorsement today of the EPA Board’s Report and recommendations.

 

The Interim EPA Board – which comprised the highly eminent and respected Professor Gordon Duff, Professor Donna Craig and Ms Judith King – were appointed to investigate and extensively consult on the most appropriate model of a permanent EPA for the Territory.

 

Environment Minister Marion Scrymgour today announced that the NT Government has endorsed the model proposed by the Board, which will see the EPA take on the role of independent statutory advisory body – consistent with election commitments.

 

“For the first time in the Territory’s history we will have an EPA that is the right model for the Northern Territory and affirms this Government’s strong commitment to our environment and lifestyle,’ Ms Scrymgour said.

 

“The Board has spent a lot of time thoroughly consulting with community and stakeholder groups across the Territory to make sure that this is the perfect fit for the Territory.

 

“The Territory is in a unique position – very different to the rest of Australia – where we are enjoying a very healthy environment yet have a growing economy.

 

“We want to protect our precious environmental resources as we enter a new phase in the Territory’s development we have new environment protection measures in place.

 

“An important part of our EPA will be to assist industry and developers understand and adhere to environmental regulations. This will enable both Business and Government to make more informed decisions about ecologically sustainable development in the Territory.”

 

Ms Scrymgour said the EPA will have a high-level role advising on policy setting in developing legislation and setting standards.

 

“Once established and a permanent EPA appointed, it will be tasked with reviewing environmental legislation – also consistent with election commitments.

 

“The establishment of the EPA will make for improved assessment processes and better certainty for everyone.”

 

Ms Scrymgour said legislation to allow the establishment of the EPA will be introduced to parliament in August, the EPA appointed and fully operational by early 2008.