Tips for nailing your project’s EPBC compliance reporting
Navigating the requirements of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is crucial for approval holders to ensure their projects minimise environmental impact. A key component of this is the Annual Compliance Report which serves as a record of how a project has adhered to the conditions set out in its approval.
Approval holders are often required to prepare an Annual Compliance Report. This can be complex and time-consuming, but it is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability. Our Environmental Consultant Gabriela Santamaria shares her tips for making the EBPC annual compliance process easier.
Understand the guidelines: Familiarise yourself with the guidelines for the EPBC Annual Compliance Reports. The guidelines provide a clear framework on what needs to be included in the report. This includes understanding the specific reporting requirements, timelines, and the format in which the information should be presented.
Understand the conditions: Ensure full awareness of the conditions attached to the approval. Each project may have unique conditions that need to be met and being familiar with these conditions will help address them effectively in the report. This involves a review of the approval documentation and any amendments or updates to the conditions.
Undertake regular internal audits: You want to identify any issues prior to a third party audit. If you have a non-compliance during third party audit, it can be a serious legal issue or have ramifications for a company. Adopting a proactive approach to internal audits can turn them into valuable learning experiences that contribute to improvement in compliance practices.
Document organisation: Ensure all necessary documentation and evidence are well-organised and easily accessible. It also helps in identifying trends and potential issues early, allowing for intervention and mitigation.
Seek professional assistance: If needed, seek professional assistance from environmental consultants who specialise in EPBC compliance. Their expertise can provide valuable insights and guidance, helping navigate the compliance process and ensuring that the Annual Compliance Report meets all requirements.
Onward specialises in preparing EPBC Annual Compliance Reports. For help with meeting your EPBC requirements, reach out to us.
