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Darwin meteorologist Dr Andrew Tupper will chair the Northern Territory’s first independent Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Environment Minister Len Kiely announced today.

 

“The formation of an EPA fulfils an important election commitment by this Government,” Mr Kiely said.

 

“Our environment is a great part of the unique Territory lifestyle and today’s announcement is another step towards protecting our natural heritage for present and future generations.

 

“Dr Tupper – who is currently acting as the NT regional director of the Bureau of Meteorology – has lived in the Territory for 17 years and will head the four-member EPA.

 

“The three EPA board members are Professor Gordon Duff, Professor Donna Craig and Ms Judith King.

 

“Dr Tupper and Professor Craig have been appointed for three years while Professor Duff and Ms King have been appointed for 18 months.

 

“The EPA will provide independent advice to Government on a range of environmental issues aimed at improving business certainty and environmental outcomes in the Territory.”

 

Mr Kiely said the EPA would operate under the NT’s Environment Protection Authority Act 2007.

  

“The EPA will have a high-level role, advising Government on policy and standard setting, and in developing legislative and administrative frameworks," Mr Kiely said.

 

“The EPA’s significant independent powers also allow it to scrutinise the operations of Government agencies in undertaking regulatory work.

 

“It will also be responsible for developing guidelines and standards for environmental practice, monitoring and evaluation.

 

“The EPA’s first task will be to review the NT’s Environmental Assessment Act.”

 

For more information go to www.nt.gov.au/epa

 

Contact: Edwin Edlund 0401 119 563
Related files:
Kiely05.03.08EPA.pdf ( 79 kb )