EPA Chairman Dr Paul Vogel and OEPA General Manager Mr Kim Taylor

The decision to establish OEPA as a separate department servicing the EPA was a key element of the Government’s overall approvals reform program. The decision was consistent with recommendations of the EPA’s EIA Review report, the Environmental Stakeholder Advisory Group’s report to the Minister for Environment and also the Industry Working Group’s Review of Approvals Processes in WA for the Mines and Petroleum Minister.

General Manager Kim Taylor said he believed establishing OEPA had been a positive move. Operating as a separate department has enabled OEPA to establish a clearer and more productive working relationship with the EPA and its services had enhanced the Authority’s capacity in undertaking its statutory roles. Establishment of the Office had also improved communication channels for EPA, OEPA and proponents in undertaking their assessments.

Mr Taylor said the decision to give OEPA responsibility for Compliance Monitoring of Ministerial approval conditions has also been a positive move enabling improved review of the effectiveness of assessments and conditions and feedback into assessment processes.

EPA Chairman, Dr Paul Vogel, strongly supported the GM’s comments.

“The business model whereby the EPA has access to a dedicated department (the OEPA) whose primary function is to support the EPA is working extremely well. “I hear good things about the way the OEPA and the EPA are working together to secure more timely and certain assessments and approvals while providing greater confidence to the community and government that strategic environmental protection outcomes are being achieved.”