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Welcome to the Office of Development Approvals Coordination

The Office of Development Approvals Coordination (ODAC) is a key component of the WA Government's initiative to improve approvals processes for industrial and resource development projects.

The Western Australian Government has developed an Integrated Project Approvals System (IPAS) aimed at streamlining approvals processes while maintaining appropriate standards of review. This system is supported by ODAC which has the specific job, for complex projects, of coordinating approval processes across government.

Recent News

UPDATED PROCESS MAPS PUBLISHED

The approval process maps available on this website are being updated in response to feedback from industry.  The updates are on the 31 maps of commonly required approval processes that were first published in mid 2007.

Key revisions to the available maps include:

• Clearer identification that many processes may have to await a s45(7) authorisation under the EP Act before they can be finalised
• Enhancement of the maps through inclusion of active links to guidance documentation
• Inclusion of more information about timelines for approval processes

The revised maps are being published progressively once agreement has been reached with the relevant agency.

ODAC is keen to receive comment from any interested stakeholders regarding approvals process streamlining opportunities.  Comments can be forwarded to the Director, ODAC here

REVISED PDD GUIDELINE AVAILABLE

The multi-agency IPAS Management Group, which oversees the operation of the Integrated Project Approvals System, has recently approved changes that will better align the coordinated approvals pathway of IPAS and the process for environmental impact assessment under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (the EP Act).

The key changes are:

• A Project Definition Document (PDD), which is a requirement for entering the coordinated approvals pathway, will be a shorter document consisting mainly of a description of what the proponent proposes to seek approval for after taking into account feedback received during consultation with stakeholders. 
• The PDD will provide an initial scan of key issues but information on proposed or completed studies or proposed actions to minimise impacts and address key issues will not be required as part of the PDD.  This information will be required later during scoping and assessment.
• The PDD will be accepted by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) as the proponent’s referral of the proposal under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 when it is delivered to the EPA.  Previously referral was delayed until the PDD had passed through Initial Screening under IPAS.

The changes are in response to experience with PDDs submitted in accordance with the guidelines that were first issued in 2004/05. PDDs submitted in accordance with the previous guidelines tended to be significantly more detailed than the 20 – 30 page text plus maps as originally envisaged, and did not fully meet requirements for acceptance as an EPA referral.   The delay between PDD submission and initiation of EP Act processes has been eliminated.

The PDD Guideline has been amended to reflect the changes.  In addition, an example PDD has been developed based on a moderately complex proposal.  The example provides an indication of the level of information expected.  Both documents are available here:

PDD Guideline [PDF document, 226kb]

Example PDD [PDF document, 1537kb]

Help us improve Western Australia’s approvals system

ODAC is keen to get feedback and suggestions from all stakeholders on the approvals processes for industrial and resources development projects in Western Australia. If you wish to provide feedback or raise issues please use the contact details at Contact us.