ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT 1994 - SECT 4
How object of Act is to be achieved
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT 1994 - SECT 4
How object of Act is to be achieved
4 How object of Act is to be achieved
(1) The protection of Queensland’s environment is to be achieved by an
integrated management program that is consistent with ecologically sustainable
development. (2) The program is cyclical and involves the following phases—
(a) phase 1—establishing the state of the environment and defining
environmental objectives; (b) phase 2—developing effective environmental
strategies; (c) phase 3—implementing environmental strategies and
integrating them into efficient resource management; (d) phase 4—ensuring
accountability of environmental strategies. (3) The relationship between each
of the phases is shown in the figure appearing at the end of this Act. (4)
Phase 1 is achieved by— (a) researching the state of the environment ,
including essential ecological processes; and (b) deciding
environmental values to be protected or achieved by consulting industry,
government departments and the community. (5) Phase 2 is achieved by— (a)
developing environmental protection policies that, among other things— (i)
decide environmental indicators; and (ii) establish ambient and emission
standards for contaminants ; and (iii) require waste management, including
waste prevention and minimisation; and (iv) advise on management practices;
and (b) promoting environmental responsibility and involvement within the
community. (6) Phase 3 is achieved by— (a) integrating environmental values
into land use planning and management of natural resources; and (b) ensuring
all reasonable and practicable measures are taken to protect
environmental values from all sources of environmental harm ; and (c)
monitoring the impact of the release of contaminants into the environment ; and
(d) requiring persons who cause environmental harm to pay costs and penalties
for the harm. (7) Phase 4 is achieved by— (a) reviewing the results of
human activities on the environment ; and (b) evaluating the efficiency and
effectiveness of environmental strategies; and (c) reporting publicly on the
state of the environment .
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