Exemption Certificates under the Coastal Act
Upon application to the EPA, development proposals for works which are identified as having insignificant impacts on coastal management, can be granted an exemption certificate under the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995. Works that have been issued exemption certificates are excluded works under the Integrated Planning Act 1997, meaning no Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) approvals are required.
Particular coastal foreshore works on State coastal land constructed by local government may be considered appropriate for exemption certificates. Examples include:
- structures and buildings that are part of a local government program of works for community benefit on State land landward of an existing significant approved erosion protection structure (e.g. rock/boulder or concrete wall) or constructed sealed road and associated maintenance corridor; and
- local government programs for regular beach scraping consistent with a management plan.
At a pre-lodgement discussion with the applicant, the EPA may suggest that the works appear to be excluded work and would advise the applicant to apply for an exemption certificate so that a formal determination can be made. If, after considering the application, the EPA considers that the proposed work is not eligible to be treated as excluded work, an application under IDAS would be required.
For more information refer to the Guideline Exemption certificates under the Coastal ActLast updated: 23 November 2006
