Queensland auditor handbook for contaminated land

The Queensland auditor handbook for contaminated land is the primary guideline for auditors and those seeking to become an auditor.

The handbook comprises the following modules, which also provide useful information to suitably qualified persons, landowners, developers and the general community.

• Module 1: Introduction to the Auditor Framework: outlines the structure and content of the handbook; gives a brief overview of the legislation that regulates auditor functions; and provides advice on where to find additional information about contaminated land auditors.
• Module 2: Auditor application requirements: explains how to apply to become an auditor in Queensland either as a new applicant or by mutual recognition of an approval from another state and also how to re-apply. This module describes what is required for an application including the NHAAP.
• Module 3: Assessment of auditor applications: describes the assessment processes for an auditor's first-time application, mutual recognition application or re-application. This module describes the roles of those involved in assessment of NHAAP applications and DETSI applications.
• Module 4: Code of professional conduct: sets out how an auditor must conduct their functions; lists the legally binding expectations for an auditor's professional behaviour; and lists the obligations for how they administer their work.
• Module 5: Auditor's functions: describes what an auditor does, and how they do it; provides information about how auditors interact with those who own or investigate contaminated land; and gives an overview of how the government oversees the performance of auditors.
• Module 6: Content requirements for contaminated land investigation documents, certifications and audit reports: provides advice about the required content of a contaminated land investigation document, an auditor’s certification, and an audit report.

Other resources for auditors

Forms and templates

1. Application for approval as an auditor for contaminated land in Qld
2. Written notice to apply for mutual recognition as an auditor for contaminated land
3. Contaminated land investigation document – approved form
   This is the approved form for a contaminated land investigation document and an auditor’s certification under ss. 389(2), 389(3) and 389(4) of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. This form is to be used by an auditor to certify a contaminated land investigation document under s.389(4) of the Environmental Protection Act 1994, and to make a declaration under s. 574C of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
   This form is also used for submitting a contaminated land investigation document to the department under s. 390 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
   NOTE: this form needs to be downloaded and saved locally to fill in, save and sign digitally using Adobe Acrobat reader free software.
4. Template for a support expert’s statement
   This template is to be used by any support expert (engaged by an auditor to provide expert advice) to make a statement about specific matters which must accompany the auditor’s certification.
5. Auditor’s notification form
   This form is to be used by any auditor to notify about a matter as required by the code of professional conduct for auditors.
6. Template for giving written notice about a notifiable activity
   This template is to be used by any auditor to notify about a notifiable activity being, or having been, carried out on land.
7. Template for giving written notice about duty to notify of environmental harm due to an event
   This template is to be used by any auditor to notify of the risk of environmental harm due to an event involving a hazardous contaminant.
8. Template for giving written notice about duty to notify of environmental harm due to a change in the condition of contaminated land
   This template is to be used where land is already on the Environmental Management Register or the Contaminated Land Register and there is a change in the condition of the land that is causing or is likely to cause, serious or material environmental harm.
9. Form for Auditor Annual Reporting
   This form is to be used by an auditor to submit annual reporting information under the code of professional conduct.

Guidelines

10. Guideline: Duty to notify for environmental harm
11. Guideline: Draft Site Management Plan
12. Guideline: List, amend and remove land - Environmental Management and Contaminated Land Registers