Environmental Assessment & Approvals – 101 Virtual Course

Course Summary

Part of UDIA WA’s Virtual Classroom Series,  Environmental Assessment & Approvals – 101 offers a comprehensive introduction to Western Australia’s complex environmental approval process relevant to property development projects.

Run over three lunchtime sessions, it blends the technical know-how with real-world case examples and interactive activities to maximise the learnings. Participants will be equipped with the essential knowledge to identify potential environmental issues, to engage effectively with regulators and consultants, and develop strategies to effectively navigate the approvals process. By understanding both WA and Federal environmental requirements, participants can better anticipate challenges and develop more effective project plans to work towards better project and environmental outcomes. 

Virtual Course registration is on individual basis. Upon registration, each participant will receive a link to access the session. You can join the webinar from any device and location that suits you. Please note that this is a virtual series, and participants are expected to keep their cameras on and microphones off, except during Q&A sessions and interactive exercises.

Who Should Attend?

• Local or State government staff working in a development space 
• Town planners, developers, and landowners.
• All levels of Development Managers and Project Managers 
• Professionals new to environmental assessment in property development
• Those new to the WA development industry seeking to build their local knowledge

Course Outline  

Webinar One: Environmental Legislation and Planning Framework in WA & Australia

Introduction to Environmental Regulation in Property Development:- What is environmental assessment?

• Why is environmental approval necessary for property development?
• Key environmental risks in land development (habitat destruction, water contamination, etc.).

Western Australia’s Environmental Planning Framework:

Planning and Development Act:

• Key environmental provisions, objectives and associated policy
• Considerations at different stages of planning (i.e. DSP, regional scheme amendments, local scheme amendments, LSP, subdivision, development)
• Formal interaction with the Environmental Protection Act 1986

Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA)

• Key provisions and objectives.
• Role of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
• The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process

Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (WA)

• Protection of threatened species and ecological communities/

Role of the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER)

Local government’s role in enforcing environmental planning requirements.

Federal Legislation: Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act):

• When does a development trigger federal environmental assessment?
• Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES)
• Relationship between EPBC Act and state environmental laws.

Key Stakeholders in the Environmental Approval Process:

• Developers, planners, consultants, and government agencies
• Community engagement and public consultation requirements

Webinar Two: The Environmental Assessment and Approval Process in WA

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process in WA

• When is an EIA required?
• Levels of assessment:
• Referral process.
• Public Environmental Review (PER) vs. Assessment on Referral Information (ARI).
• Timeline and submission requirements for developers.

Common Environmental Issues and Mitigation Strategies

• Clearing native vegetation: Permits and offsets.
• Water management: Stormwater, wetlands, and groundwater protection.
• Bushfire risk assessment and compliance with WA planning laws.
• Heritage and cultural considerations (including Indigenous land rights).

Understanding the Role of Environmental Consultants and Reports

• Flora and fauna surveys.
• Hydrology and stormwater management plans.
• Environmental impact statements (EIS).

Decision-Making Process and Conditions of Approval

• Who makes the final decision?
• Navigating approval conditions and compliance monitoring.

Webinar Three: Federal EPBC Act Compliance and Post-Approval Environmental Management

EPBC Act: The Federal Environmental Approval Process

• How to determine if your project requires EPBC Act referral.
• EPBC Act assessment pathways (Self-Assessment, Referral, EIS).
• Case study: A residential development that triggered MNES assessment.

Coordinating WA and Federal Approvals

• Differences between EPA and EPBC Act approvals.
• How to streamline the approvals process for property developers.

Post-Approval Environmental Management and Compliance

• Environmental monitoring and compliance reporting.
• Managing rehabilitation obligations and offsets.
• Consequences of non-compliance (fines, project shutdowns, legal action).

Emerging Trends and Changes in Environmental Policy

• WA’s new environmental planning initiatives
• Upcoming changes to the EPBC Act and proposed reforms

Pricing

Ticket purchase is on an individual basis and only the ticket holder can join and listen to the sessions. Recording and dissemination of any sessions by participants is not permitted.

To obtain member rates please use your company email when registering. All prices are inclusive of GST.

Member: $430 pp 

Non-Member: $550 pp

Rules of Engagement

• You can join the webinar using your own device, from any location that suits you. This is a virtual and not in-person series.
• Registered participants will be provided with a link to access the session. This is not to be shared with others.
• It will be a camera on, microphone off (unless speaking) situation.

CPD Points

The Urban Development Institute of Australia is an official Registered Provider with the CPD Standards Office. Any Delegate who attends this course may be issued with a CPD Certificate of Attendance, which they can subsequently use with their formal CPD record for a professional body, institute or employer. Attendance at this course attracts 4.5 REBA CPD points. Register your intention to claim points when you register for the course by providing your license type & number.