- Release three of Cook Labor Government’s Resources Online digital platform launched
- Milestone delivers election commitment to fast-track resources approvals
- Transition replaces legacy Environmental Assessment and Regulatory System
The Cook Labor Government is delivering on its promise to slash red tape and modernise environmental approvals for the resources sector, with release three of the Resources Online platform going live today.
This major milestone officially completes the migration of core mining and petroleum environmental lodgements away from the legacy Environmental Assessment and Regulatory System (EARS) platform into a secure, digitally advanced gateway.
Forming a central pillar of the Cook Labor Government’s Fast Tracking Mining Approvals program, Resources Online significantly expands the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration’s spatial and digital capability.
The platform’s real-world benefits are already being realised across the State.
Streamlined digital workflows and automation have cut the average assessment time for major Mining Development and Closure Proposals by around 50 per cent, reducing wait times from 58 business days to just 25 days.
In addition, more than 200 Eligible Mining Activities have been successfully lodged, shaving around 1,600 business days off assessment timelines. Around 100 Approval Statements have also been issued under the new Mining Development and Closure Proposals framework, further streamlining mining approval processes.
As part of the final rollout for environmental applications, all online submissions for Native Vegetation Clearing Permits, Environment Plans and Oil Spill Contingency Plans moved permanently to the Resources Online portal on 9 June 2026.
More information on Resources Online is available at https://www.wa.gov.au/service/natural-resources/mineral-resources/access-resources-online
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael:
“The Cook Labor Government is proudly delivering on its commitment to build a faster, smarter and more responsive approvals system for our world-leading resources sector.
“Resources Online is not just a technology upgrade; we are reducing red tape and giving industry the regulatory certainty it needs to make major investment decisions.
“While we are fast-tracking applications, we will not compromise the rigorous environmental standards, community expectations or the vital interests of Traditional Owners that help protect our State.”
