More than 700 existing Western Australian small businesses will save themselves $624 on environmental charges under changes made to the Environment Protection Regulations.
WA Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the state government had gazetted changes to the regulations meaning certain small businesses no longer needed to register with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) under what was known as Schedule 2 of the Environmental Protection Regulations.
“Removing Schedule 2 from the regulations means small businesses whose operations don’t pose a significant risk to the environment do not have to hold a registration that costs $624,” he said.
“The change also means these businesses, ranging from small food processing facilities such as small abattoirs and prepared meat processors through to small plastics manufacturers, no longer will risk being fined up to $25,000 for failing to register with DEC.”
Marmion said the Government had taken the measure as part of its ongoing drive to reduce duplication and unnecessary regulation.
“Business is already regulated by the Environmental Protection Act and relevant regulations, so effective environmental controls will still apply,” he said.