2015
Download
About this draft policy statement
The Tasmanian Giant Freshwater Lobster was listed as a vulnerable species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) on 16 July 2000. A vulnerable species listed under the EPBC Act is a matter of national environmental significance.
The Australian Government is developing referral guidelines for the Tasmanian Giant Freshwater Lobster to provide further guidance to proponents as to whether a proposed action that is likely to have an impact on the species will need to be referred to the Minister for the Environment for assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.
These guidelines expand on the general framework for assessing significant impacts outlined in the Department’s Matters of National Environmental Significance - Significant impact guidelines 1.1 policy statement.
These draft guidelines have been developed in consultation with scientific experts on the species including Tasmanian State Government representatives.
About the public comment process
The Australian Government is seeking public comment on the Draft referral guidelines for the Tasmanian Giant Freshwater Lobster (Astacopsis gouldi). The public comment period closes at 5 pm on 3 March 2015.
The public comment period provides an opportunity for wider consultation with stakeholders. Feedback is welcomed on all aspects of the guidelines and all comments received will be considered in the finalisation of this document.
Comments may be submitted in an Excel, Word or PDF format. Comments must be submitted to speciespolicy@environment.gov.au or sent via mail, addressed to The Director, Species Information and Policy Section, GPO Box 787, Canberra, ACT, 2601.
See also
Astacopsis gouldi - Tasmanian Giant Freshwater Lobster - SPRAT Profile