(1)  If the Minister has issued a notice under section 149(1) requiring an applicant in a permit application to provide further information or take action, or both, the Minister may issue to the applicant a statement that the permit application is likely to be granted, and the Division 3 permit issued, if the requirements specified in the statement are met.

(2)  A statement under subsection (1)  –

(a) does not authorise the undertaking or commencement of the dam works proposed in the permit application; and

(b) does not prevent the Minister from refusing to grant the permit application, whether or not the requirements specified in the statement are met.