(1)  Before preparing a draft environment protection policy, the Minister must prepare and give notice of a proposal to prepare the draft environment protection policy.

(2)  The notice must –

(a) be published on 2 consecutive Saturdays –

(i) in a newspaper circulating generally throughout the State; and

(ii) if it is intended that the environment protection policy when completed will only apply to a particular area of the State, in a newspaper circulating generally in that area; and

(b) if it is intended that the environment protection policy when completed will only apply in respect of an aspect or part of the environment, specify that aspect or part; and

(c) state where copies of the proposal may be obtained; and

(d) invite from Government departments and agencies, public authorities, local government, industry organisations, interested groups and persons and members of the public the making of written submissions to the Minister on the proposal; and

(e) specify the day by which those submissions may be made, being a day not less than 30 days after the notice is first published in a newspaper.

(3)  The Minister may extend the period referred to in subsection (2)(e) for a period not exceeding 30 days if he or she considers it necessary.

(4)  The power referred to in subsection (3) may be exercised by the Minister on one or more occasions.