Public seminars were held in seven locations around the State and the EPA helped to sponsor industry seminars, as well as a separate conference co-ordinated by the Environmental Defenders Office. Local government organisations were identified as key affected stakeholders and were of particular focus throughout the consultation process. More than 230 written submissions were received on the exposure draft. As a result of the submissions, amendments were made and the Bill was tabled in NSW Parliament, further amended, and finally enacted on 19 December 1997. The POEO Act commenced operation on 1 July 1999.
PEPs are instruments for setting environmental standards, goals, protocols and guidelines.
They provide both the framework for Government decisions that affect the environment, and are the means of adopting Australia-wide environment protection measures set by the National Environment Protection Council. The POEO Act provides a single licensing arrangement to replace the different licences and approvals under existing separate Acts relating to air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution and waste management. Local councils are the regulatory authorities for non-scheduled activities, except activities undertaken by a public authority which the EPA will regulate. The EPA licenses scheduled activities. Local councils non-scheduled activities through notice and enforcement powers.