Call for Expressions of Interest – The National Centre for Cooperation on Environment and Development
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, August 2011
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The Australian Government is calling for expressions of interest in a new initiative: a National Centre for Cooperation on Environment and Development.
The proposed new National Centre for Cooperation on Environment and Development would provide a neutral forum in which industry, scientists, non-government organisations and governments could cooperate in developing environmental standards, guidelines and procedures to be used under Australia's national environment law, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
How will the centre help improve the operation of the EPBC Act?
Business and environmental groups often have opposing views on environmental issues. The Government envisages that the proposed centre would provide a neutral forum, which would inform the development of regulatory policies and guidelines that are based on sound science, and would provide a full appreciation of the views of all parties.
What are the benefits of getting involved in the centre?
The centre will help different groups to work together to achieve good outcomes for the environment, but also take full account of the priorities of key stakeholders. It will also help identify information gaps, prioritise areas where guidelines or standards need improvement, and build a shared understanding of issues and concerns. Stakeholders will also be able to identify areas where procedures need to be more fully developed.
Will the centre be involved in international matters relating to environment and development?
The centre's role would be limited initially to matters covered under Australia's national environment law. If successful, participating parties might consider cooperating on other issues affecting environment and development.
Will the centre be directly involved in regulatory decisions?
No. The centre will not have a role in decisions on particular developments. Its role would be to help develop the policies and guidelines that will help national environmental law to work more effectively.
How would the centre be funded?
All participation will be voluntary and at the participant's own expense. The Australian Government will meet basic secretariat costs. The centre would also be able to accept philanthropic contributions.
What other activities will the centre run?
The centre will also run occasional seminars and conferences to increase mutual understanding by stakeholders of environment and development issues.
What should interested parties do?
Interested parties can lodge an initial short expression of interest by 1 November 2011. Expressions of interest from consortiums are welcome. The expression of interest should briefly address why you are interested in participating, the skills and resources you could contribute (for example, providing meeting venues); and any particular approach that you might propose for achieving the centre's objectives.
The department will then enter into exploratory discussions with parties who are potential partners in the centre.
Expressions of interest should be addressed to:
EPBC Reform Taskforce
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Where to get more information
For more information on national environment law reform go to:
www.environment.gov.au/epbc/reform
email epbc.reform@environment.gov.au
or call 1800 003 513.
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