Pre-lodgement and Regulatory Consultation
Development Approvals (DAs)
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) Referrals
Environmental Authorities (EAs)
Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plans
Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERAs)
What environmental approvals do I need before starting a project in Queensland?
Environmental approval requirements depend on the project location, activity type, scale and potential impacts on land, water, ecology and surrounding communities. Some projects may need development approvals, Environmental Authorities, EPBC Act referrals, ERA approvals, permits, licences or management plans before works can begin. Cowie Environmental helps project teams identify the correct approvals pathway and prepare the documentation needed to support compliant delivery.
Do I need an EPBC Act referral for my project?
An EPBC Act referral may be required if a project is likely to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance, such as threatened species, ecological communities, migratory species, wetlands, heritage places or Commonwealth marine areas. Cowie Environmental supports EPBC Act referrals for projects that need Commonwealth environmental assessment and approval.
What is an Environmental Authority in Queensland?
An Environmental Authority is a Queensland approval that allows certain environmentally relevant activities to operate under regulated environmental conditions. It may apply to activities such as mining, resources, waste, industrial operations or other activities with potential environmental impacts. Cowie Environmental supports Environmental Authority applications, amendments and approvals advice for Queensland projects.
How long do environmental approvals take in Queensland?
Environmental approval timeframes vary depending on project complexity, assessment pathway, technical studies, regulator requirements, consultation and whether further information is requested. Simple approvals may be faster, while complex projects involving multiple agencies, ecology impacts or Commonwealth referral requirements can take significantly longer. Cowie Environmental helps clients plan approval programs early to reduce avoidable delays.
What can delay an environmental approval?
Environmental approvals are commonly delayed by incomplete applications, unclear approval pathways, missing technical assessments, unresolved ecology or water impacts, poor regulator engagement, community concerns or requests for further information. Cowie Environmental helps identify approval risks early and prepares clear, complete documentation to support efficient assessment.