BLIGH GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES NEW FEES FOR POLLUTERS

CAIRNS: The State Government will introduce “polluter-pays” fees for industry to ensure the higher the emissions generated, the higher the annual licensing fee.

Premier Anna Bligh told Regional Parliament today that updated environmental protection laws would lead to more effective regulation of industries with the potential to cause environmental harm.

“Currently, environmental fees are based on the industry and size of the output of the company as opposed to what it is polluting. ” Ms Bligh said.

“For example, under the old system a crematoruim paid $400 per year and an intensive sheep lot nothing

“The Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 includes a new fee structure for pollution emitting industries that clearly links fees to the issue of environmental emissions.

“It is designed to provide incentive to business to be cleaner and greener.

“As of 1 January 2009 the fee system will take on a polluter-pays approach based on the average annual emissions to air, land and water – the higher the emissions, the higher the annual license fee.

“It also includes an updated and more contemporary list of activities that will require environmental regulation.

“Several activities will be regulated for the first time including sheep feedlots, tunnel ventilation stacks, large water treatment plants and geological storage of carbon dioxide.

“Conversely, other activities with low environmental emissions will be deregulated such as crematoriums and aquaculture farms that do not release waste to waters,” she said.

Sustainability, Climate Change, Innovation Minister Andrew McNamara said the regulation would result in higher fees for many industries.

“However, this is the first time that fees have increased in 12 years and in most cases, fees will be equal to or lower than those charged in other states,” he said.

“One change is a new fee discount system for businesses that demonstrate excellent environmental performance and adopt best practice environmental management.

“Queensland will remain a competitive place to do business.

“This updated regulation is in direct response to extensive public consultation and feedback received in public submissions invited by the Environmental Protection Agency earlier this year.

It replaces the existing Environmental Protection Regulation 1998 and is another step in a series of reforms to Queensland’s environmental protection legislation.

October 24, 2008

Media Contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500