Greentape reduction: negotiating a standard approval for petroleum and gas exploration

Abstract

The Queensland government passed the Environmental Protection (Greentape Reduction) Amendment Act in August 2012, which brings a range of process improvements aimed at streamlining environmental regulation. Key among these changes for petroleum and gas activities is the introduction of standard applications, where if a proponent can meet set eligibility criteria and standard conditions, the assessment process for obtaining their environmental approval is vastly streamlined. The practicality of these is paramount to achieving the greentape reduction objectives. Flinders present a case study of proactive negotiations with the regulator led by APPEA, leading to significant decreases in regulatory burden for obtaining environmental approvals for exploration activities. Past attempts to develop a code of environmental compliance for petroleum and gas activities in Queensland have become bogged down to the point of impasse. To avoid a similar situation, this process has focused on gaining a mutual understanding of the potential impacts associated with each activity related to exploration, as well as a review of the best practice methods of minimising these potential risks, and the practicality of the proposed methods. This approach has led to: eligibility criteria and outcome-focused conditions that deliver certainty to the regulator that impacts are minimised to an acceptable level; and, sufficient practicality to be complied in a majority of circumstances, thereby achieving the desired reduction in greentape for petroleum and gas exploration activities. The case study shows the potential benefits of genuine strategic industry engagement with regulators delivering a reduction in regulatory burden.