Environmental impact assessment in Queensland, Australia: a governmental massacre!

Abstract

This article is intended to show that the effectiveness of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process rests with governmental intentions to mould credible and productive terms of reference. To illustrate the strategy of the Queensland government that massacred the efficacy of EIA, examples gleaned from typical Queensland government practice were used. They focus on problems pervading the issue identification (scoping) process, language use, accountability, timing and product credibility. (Non)accountability in the terms of reference means that there can never be a claim of environmental impact statement validity. Some pointers are given as to how to undertake the public-sector role in the EIA process.

Keywords:

• environmental impact assessment
• Australia
• terms of reference