National policy and agreements
Environment protection and biodiversity conservation
The Environment Protection Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999 gives the Commonwealth an approval role for certain kinds of development which are considered to be of national environmental importance. This Act came into effect in mid-2000. It outlines objectives for protecting matters of national environmental significance.
Under the assessment and approval provisions of this Act, actions that are likely to have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance are subject to a rigorous assessment and approval process.
The Act currently identifies six matters of national environmental significance:
- World Heritage properties
- Ramsar wetlands of international significance
- listed threatened species and ecological communities
- listed migratory species
- Commonwealth marine areas
- nuclear actions (including uranium mining).
The Department and Environment Australia have established procedures to minimise duplication for business in New South Wales when both state and Commonwealth approvals are required.
Building Code of Australia
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is a uniform set of technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings throughout Australia. Although a national code, it allows for variations in climate and geological or geographic conditions, and the particular needs of states and territories.
The Australian Building Codes Board manages the BCA. This board has been established via an intergovernment agreement. It is a cooperative arrangement between Commonwealth and state/territory governments, local government and the building industry.
The Department of Planning coordinates the implementation of the BCA in New South Wales. It also advises the Building Regulation Advisory Council on proposed changes to building regulations
Development Assessment Forum
The Department of Planning is a member of the Development Assessment Forum (DAF), a national forum created to identify leading edge approaches to development assessment in Australia and to encourage the adoption of best practice. Membership includes federal, state/territory and local governments, the development industry and professional associations. For more information, see the Development Assessment Forum website at www.daf.gov.au.