Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary System Management Strategy ...

EPA Report on the Peel-Harvey Progress and Compliance Report, 2003
and that it should be made to work in the manner envisaged. To do so will necessitate
priority development of the comprehensive catchment management plan (proposed in
1988) and the implementation mechanism (proposed by the EPA in 1985 and 1988).
ERC Recommendation L2
It is recommended that the concept of “co-proponents” who are severally and jointly
responsible for implementation of the whole management strategy be strengthened,
recognising that this is a “whole of government” project and requires strong cooperation
by all proponents, other decision-maker, management agencies and the
community.
ERC Recommendation L3
It is recommended that a single point of responsibility be established to ensure that the
whole management strategy is implemented. This would provide a responsible person to
act as the key contact with the various agencies involved in decision-making,
management and meeting the Environmental Conditions.
ERC Recommendation L4
It is recommended that the Environmental Protection Authority take a more pro-active
approach in ensuring that the proponents and other parts of government collectively
deliver on the total management required. For example, the EPA can (with input from
key agencies) develop a work plan and require regular reporting on progress against the
plan.
ERC Recommendation L5
It is recommended that an appropriate implementation mechanism for the EPP,
including a mechanism for implementation of catchment management, be identified, or a
new tool be developed, if using an SPP as the main means of implementation is no longer
valid.
ERC Recommendation L6
It is recommended that the EPA provides leadership on the issue of control and
regulation (if required) of diffuse sources of pollution to establish equity in the
management of diffuse and point sources of pollution. In taking such an approach, the
EPA should take account of the magnitude of environmental effect on the receiving
environment from the various contributing sources and adopt a catchment level, riskbased
approach to requiring operators to reduce their nutrient losses to the environment.
ERC Recommendation L7
It is recommended that a comprehensive integrated catchment management plan be
developed and implemented as a matter of urgency. At the same time a review should be
carried out to recommend a mix of incentives and regulatory measures to lead to full
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