(1) The Authority has
the following functions:
(a) to
prepare draft environment protection policies;
(b) to
conduct regular reviews of environment protection policies, regulations and
other measures and practices under this Act to ensure that they are adequate
and effective to secure the objects of this Act;
(c) to
contribute to the development of national environment protection measures and
ensure their effective application in this State;
(d) to
facilitate the pursuit of the objects of this Act by Commonwealth, State and
local government bodies, the private sector and the public;
(e) to
authorise activities of environmental significance through an authorisation
system aimed at the control and minimisation of pollution and waste;
(f) to
conduct investigations for the purpose of assessing compliance with this Act
or conditions of licences or other authorisations under this Act;
(g) to
institute or supervise environmental monitoring and evaluation programmes;
(h) to
provide advice and assistance in relation to the development and
implementation of best environmental management practices and for that purpose
encourage and, where necessary, undertake or require environmental audits,
emergency planning, environment improvement programmes,
environment performance agreements, and similar measures;
(i)
to conduct and promote programmes and projects for the
protection, restoration or enhancement of the environment;
(j) to
provide advice to the Minister in relation to the administration and
enforcement of this Act and in relation to other legislation that has, or may
have, an impact on the environment;
(k) to
administer and enforce this Act and perform any other functions assigned to
the Authority by or under any other Act.
(2) In performing its
functions, the Authority should consult—
(a) with
other agencies of the State, agencies of the Commonwealth and of the other
States and Territories of the Commonwealth, and intergovernmental agencies,
that have functions corresponding to those of the Authority; and
(b) with
local government and relevant industry, environment and community
organisations.