ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:30): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Urban Development and Planning a question about EPA separation distance guidelines.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Last year, the EPA released its separation distance guidelines, and its communication of November 2007 states:

These Guidelines give a recommended separation distance for a range of new or expanding industries to ensure the environmental impact on neighbouring residential sites is minimised. They are used by the EPA, planning authorities, developers, planning consultants and the community in assessing development applications for new or expanding development.

The guidelines state:

The use of separation distances is not an alternative to compliance by industry with its statutory obligations, but rather is an aid in locating industry and sensitive land uses to minimise the impacts of noise, odour, polluting air emissions or waste water.

My questions are:

1. Is there any statutory obligation for industry and developers to comply with these guidelines?

2. What actions is Planning SA taking to ensure that councils, industries, etc., as outlined in the document, are complying with them?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (14:31): As the honourable member mentions in her questions, the Environment Protection Authority sets the guidelines for all environmental matters, and approval is given under the Development Act. Without looking at particular cases, it would be difficult for me to say whether it would come under planning consent or the form of an EPA licence. So, I need a bit more information before I can answer those questions, but I am happy to take them on notice and bring back an answer for the honourable member.