Resources

Guidelines and other information

• Queensland auditor handbook for contaminated land
  • Module 1: Introduction to the Auditor Framework ESR/2018/4226 version 2.00, effective 23 July 2018: outlines the structure and content of the handbook; gives a brief overview of the legislation that regulates their functions; and provides advice on where to find additional information about contaminated land auditors.
  • Module 2: Auditor application requirements ESR/2016/2152 version 2.00, effective 23 July 2018: 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 Nationally Harmonised Auditor Accreditation Process (NHAAP).
  • Module 3: Assessment of auditor applications ESR/2016/2153 version 2.00, effective 23 July 2018: 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 ESR/2016/2154 version 2.01, effective 23 January 2019: 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 ESR/2015/1807 version 2.02, effective 11 April 2023: 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 ESR/2018/4224 version 2.04 Effective 10 December 2025: provides advice about the required content of a contaminated land investigation document, an auditor’s certification, and an audit report.
• Guideline: Disposal permit to remove and treat or dispose of contaminated soil – ESR/2020/5353 version 2.00 effective 22 May 2026
• Guideline: Draft site management plan – ESR/2025/7047 version 1.01, effective 10 December 2025
• Guideline: Duty to notify of environmental harm – ESR/2016/2271 version 6.01, effective 20 July 2026
• Guideline: List, amend and remove land – Environmental Management and Contaminated Land Registers – ESR/2016/2044 version 2.00, effective 3 December 2025
• Information sheet: Land that has not been subjected to contamination nor a notifiable activity – ESR/2025/7078 version 1.00, effective 23 October 2025
• Information sheet: Area management advice for land potentially affected by UXO – ESR/2015/1841 version 5.03, effective 13 August 2024
• Information sheet: Area management advice for land potentially affected by UXO – Western Downs – ESR/2015/1862 version 5.03, effective 13 August 2024

Forms to complete and send to the department

• Application for approval as an auditor for contaminated land ESR/2016/2150 version 4.03 effective 24 September 2025. Note, this form is under review and will be updated to align with the Nationally Harmonised Auditor Accreditation Process. However, this form can still be used for re applications under the EP Act
• Application for a disposal permit for contaminated soil ESR/2015/1832 version 5.01 effective 22 May 2026
• Approved form for the submission of Contaminated land investigation document ESR/2023/6339 version 1.03 effective 19 May 2023
• Duty to notify of environmental harm due to an event ESR/2016/2230 version 5.02 effective 23 April 2026
• Duty to notify of environmental harm due to a change in the condition of contaminated land ESR/2025/7150 version 1.02, effective 23 April 2026
• Duty to notify about a notifiable activity under schedule 3 of the EP Act ESR/2015/1845 version 6.02, effective 23 April 2026
• Duty to notify the negative affect on the water quality of, or the connection of two or more aquifers ESR/2015/1753 version 8.02, effective 23 April 2026
• Form to make an enquiry about land that has not been subjected to contamination nor a notifiable activity ESR/2025/7077 version 1.00, effective 23 October 2025
• Complaint form for making a complaint about an auditor (online form)

Resources for suitably qualified persons only

• A site suitability statement template ESR/2015/1857 version 2.05 effective 19 December 2025 for use by suitably qualified persons when preparing a contaminated land investigation document.
• Professional Support Team – Suitably qualified person declaration ESR/2015/1856 version 1.06, effective 3 July 2024
  This template is for use by a person acting as a SQP’s Professional Support Team to make a declaration under section 566 of the EP Act.

Resources for auditors only

• Template for a support expert's statement ESR/2015/1859 version 2.01, effective 4 July 2024
  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.
• Auditor’s notification form ESR/2016/2148 version 1.04, effective 4 July 2024
  This form is for use by any auditor to notify about a matter as required by the code of professional conduct for auditors.