The purpose of this MoU is to set out the agreed arrangements that will be pursued by the Commonwealth and the Northern Territory to deliver a for environmental approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) removing duplication in assessment and approvals processes, while maintaining environmental outcomes. This MoU is not a legal agreement. However, both Parties commit to using their best endeavours to achieve its purpose. Objects The objects of the assessment and approvals agreements will be to: Ensure high standards are maintained for the protection of the environment and, in particular, matters of national environmental significance (NES); Promote the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of natural resources; Ensure an efficient, timely and effective process for environmental assessment and approval of actions; and Remove unnecessary duplication in the environmental assessment and approvals processes of the Commonwealth and the Northern Territory. Roles Consistent with the objects of this MoU, the Northern Territory will become responsible for assessing projects for the purpose of the EPBC Act to reduce duplication between jurisdictions, and - within 12 months - approving projects, when an approval bilateral agreement has been signed. Consistent with the objects of this MoU, the Commonwealth will take a more strategic approach to environmental protection and assurance when an approval bilateral agreement has been signed. Provisions 1. Parties 1.1.1 The Parties to this MoU are the: Commonwealth of Australia represented by the Prime Minister and the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment (Commonwealth); and
The purpose of this MoU is to set out the agreed arrangements that will be pursued by the Commonwealth and the Northern Territory to deliver a for environmental approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) removing duplication in assessment and approvals processes, while maintaining environmental outcomes. This MoU is not a legal agreement. However, both Parties commit to using their best endeavours to achieve its purpose. Objects The objects of the assessment and approvals agreements will be to: Ensure high standards are maintained for the protection of the environment and, in particular, matters of national environmental significance (NES); Promote the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of natural resources; Ensure an efficient, timely and effective process for environmental assessment and approval of actions; and Remove unnecessary duplication in the environmental assessment and approvals processes of the Commonwealth and the Northern Territory. Roles Consistent with the objects of this MoU, the Northern Territory will become responsible for assessing projects for the purpose of the EPBC Act to reduce duplication between jurisdictions, and - within 12 months - approving projects, when an approval bilateral agreement has been signed. Consistent with the objects of this MoU, the Commonwealth will take a more strategic approach to environmental protection and assurance when an approval bilateral agreement has been signed. Provisions 1. Parties 1.1.1 The Parties to this MoU are the: Commonwealth of Australia represented by the Prime Minister and the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment (Commonwealth); and
nt-mou-2013_0.docx