We administer the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Protecting our unique environment is at the centre of what we do. Making our services easier to use will lead to better environmental decisions.
Digital Environmental Assessments Program
The Digital Environmental Assessments Program includes the Portal and Assessment System project and the Biodiversity Data Repository project.
We are digitally transforming the environmental assessment process to make it easier and quicker. The new process will:
- streamline approvals
- integrate systems
- reduce duplication
- enable better decision making.
This will lead to improved regulatory and environmental outcomes.
Underpinning the Digital Environmental Assessments Program are the:
The Digital Environmental Assessments Program is an Australian Government initiative which feeds into the Nature Positive Plan.
Portal and Assessment System project
We have developed a new:
- referral form
- EPBC Act Business Portal for environmental assessments
- EPBC Act Public Portal which members of the public can use to comment on assessments.
Read more about the redesigned portals and referral form.
Biodiversity Data Repository project
We are building a national Biodiversity Data Repository. It will provide access to high-quality biodiversity data. This will support the management and conservation of Australia’s biodiversity.
Biodiversity data is used in environmental assessments to support defensible decision-making.
The Biodiversity Data Repository will launch in late 2023.
Read more about the Biodiversity Data Repository.
Next steps
We are continuing to work on:
- streamlining processes
- further developing systems integration
- reducing duplication during the application process
- developing the Biodiversity Data Repository
- partnering with the states and territories to share data.
Get in touch
For more information, please email DEAP@dcceew.gov.au.