Environmental Protection Authority to prioritise jobs like $7b Westport project, Alkimos desalination plant

An overhaul of WA’s environmental watchdog will be given another nudge when housing supplies, the $7 billion Westport project, and a third desalination plant top the State Government’s official priority list.

The first-ever Statement of Intent is meant to focus the Environmental Protection Authority on the Government of the day’s agenda and was a recommendation of the Vogel-McFerran Review.

Premier Roger Cook called it a “sensible” reform to speed up approvals.

“My Labor Government is laser-focused on building more houses, creating local jobs, delivering our clean energy plan and setting up our state for the future,” he said.

The West Australian can reveal the expansion of softwood plantations, critical minerals, hydrogen projects, and transmission infrastructure are listed in the statement as strategic priorities.

Specific projects highlighted include Westport, the Alkimos desalination plant, which is due to start operating in 2028, and the new Women and Babies Hospital in Murdoch.

Faster progress on the hospital could increase pressure on Liberal Leader Libby Mettam, who has vowed to terminate that contract and relocate the project back to Nedlands.

“This reform will not change how regulators assess environmental impact, nor does it impact upon the EPA’s legislative right to provide independent advice to government,” Environment Minister Reece Whitby said.

“This is a sensible change that ensures everyone is on the same page regarding our focus on decarbonising WA’s economy, building more houses and supporting major job-creating projects.”

Mr Whitby said there is also an expectation that the EPA give greater regard to “efficiency and timeliness,” reduce duplication and engage with proponents.

A report by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA in October last year warned that $318 billion worth of investment was at risk of delay or cancellation due to red tape.

The CCIWA backed the Statement of Expectations when it was announced as part of new laws that passed Parliament in October.