The Office of the Appeals Convenor is continuing its investigation into the appeals lodged against EPA Report 1802 for the Smiths Beach Project, Yallingup - Coastal Tourism Village.
Stage 3 investigation: Consultation phase commencing
The Office of the Appeals Convenor (OAC) is continuing its investigation into appeals lodged against EPA Report 1802 for the Smiths Beach Project, Yallingup – Coastal Tourism Village.
The OAC operates independently of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and is responsible for investigating appeals against decisions made under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. Following the investigation, the Appeals Convenor provides advice and recommendations to the Minister for the Environment, who is responsible for determining the appeals.
The independence of the OAC supports the integrity, impartiality and transparency of the environmental appeals process in Western Australia.
To support informed decision making by the Minister for the Environment, the OAC:
- investigates appeals fairly and transparently
- consults with appellants and proponents, and other persons where appropriate
- provides advice and recommendations to the Minister following investigation of the appeals.
The Appeals Convenor, with the assistance of her investigation team, is now undertaking targeted consultation activities where further information or clarification is required to assist the investigation.
Consultation undertaken by the OAC is not a public consultation process and is not conducted through public meetings. Consultation activities are undertaken with appellants who have lodged an appeal against EPA Report 1802 and where necessary, with proponents, technical experts, government agencies and other persons relevant to the matters under investigation.
Current Stage 3 activities include:
• engaging with relevant stakeholders
• providing opportunities for appellants to clarify technical matters raised in appeals and conducting meetings where appropriate
• identifying matters that may require further technical assessment
These activities are intended to ensure that all relevant information is accurately understood and properly considered as part of the investigation.
The Appeals Convenor has not formed any conclusions on the matters raised in the appeals. Information received throughout the investigation is considered impartially and in accordance with the requirements of the appeals process. Consultation assists the investigation team in assessing information and pursuing relevant lines of inquiry.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
