About the EIS process

Types of EIS

Many large resource projects are required to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) before an environmental authority can be issued.

If a project requires an EIS, you will be able to have your say on the EIS and the project’s potential environmental, economic and social impacts.

What is an EIS?

An EIS is a tool the government uses to assess:

• the current environment in the area of the project
• potential environmental, economic and social impacts of the project
• proponent proposals to avoid, minimise, mitigate and/or offset those potential impacts.

An EIS is also used to consider alternative ways to carry out the project in order to limit its impact.

There are two types of EIS assessment processes in Queensland:

• EIS under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act), administered by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
• EIS under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (SDPWO Act), administered by the Coordinator-General, Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning.

The EIS assessment process under the EP Act is used generally for mining or petroleum/gas projects. However there is the potential that a project may be declared a ‘coordinated project’ under the SDPWO Act.

For more information about EIS under the SDPWO Act view the coordinated projects section of the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning website for more information on this process.

EIS under the Environmental Protection Act 1994

A proponent will complete an EIS under the EP Act if they have volunteered to do so, or if the department decided that the project will be assessed by EIS.

The purpose of the EIS is to:

• assess potential adverse and beneficial impacts (environmental, economic and social)
• assess measures to minimise adverse environmental impacts (these can be direct, indirect and cumulative)
• consider feasible alternative ways to carry out the project
• help Commonwealth and state authorities to make informed decisions
• provide information to Commonwealth and state authorities, the proponent, and the public
• help the department to decide subsequent approvals
• meet any assessment requirements under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act; projects that are a controlled action under the EPBC Act and being assessed by EIS under the bilateral agreement.

The stages of an EIS under the EP Act are as follows:

1. Submission of draft TOR
2. Public notification of draft TOR
3. Final TOR issued—EIS in preparation
4. Public notification of EIS
5. Proponent responds to submissions
6. EIS assessment report

In this guide:

1. Types of EIS
2. Does my project need an EIS?
3. Terms of reference (TOR)
4. Developing an EIS
5. Pre-lodgement service
6. Applicable fees
7. Other resources for EIS

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