Major infrastructure projects undertaken by or on behalf of a Government agency, such as roads, railway, sewerage, pipelines and transmission lines, generally are likely to significantly affect the environment. Hence these are determined under Part 3A by the Minister for Planning.
Other projects are determined by the relevant agency following an assessment of environmental impacts under Part 5 of the EP&A Act.
A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) should be prepared to assess the environmental implications of the proposal. There is no requirement for the REF to be publicly exhibited. However, it is advisable to do so in order to give local communities the opportunity to provide comments, particularly for projects where there is likely to be public interest.
Agencies should ensure that the proposed activity is permissible under the relevant planning scheme. If it is not, agencies may explore options to amend the planning scheme in consultation with the local council and the Department of Planning.
Key considerations are the surrounding land uses and the appropriateness of the site for the proposed activity.