When do you need to notify? - DES Guidelines

With all the rain of late the question of 'When do I need to notify' has come many times. In Queensland, Sections 320 to 320G of the Environmental Protection Act (1994) outline the requirements for individuals, land owners, corporations and even auditors as to duty to notify relating to environmental harm. Pollution incidents and activities that cause or threaten to cause serious or material environmental harm should be notified under the EP Act, whether they are considered ‘over design events’ or not.

DES has published a short guideline to assist in knowing when and how to notify - you can download these guidelines from here.

Other States and Territories have similar duty to notify provisions and requirements under their respective environmental legislation and it is recommended that if you are in the position asking yourself ‘Should I notify?’ then a precautionary approach is recommended and notification should be completed along with prioritising rectification works. Your respective regulator will have guidance on their website and likely details for their environmental pollution hotline.