Regulatory framework
Our regulatory framework sets out how we regulate and who we work with to improve outcomes for the environment and our communities.
How we regulate describes the 8 elements of our regulatory framework and how we use them, so we can assess the greatest risks, address issues and drive environmentally responsible behaviour.
As environmental stewards our purpose is deliver public value to improve outcomes for the environment and our communities. We aim to identify and assess the greatest risks and address the biggest impacts to the environment and the health of our communities.
We work with our communities, Aboriginal peoples, industry, government and a range of organisations.
Our Regulatory Policy sits under this framework and explains how we make regulatory decisions, and our tools and actions.
Our Strategic Plan provides our strategic choices, what we will do to achieve positive environmental and human health outcomes over the next 5 years (2024–29) and beyond. It sets out our commitment to care for Country (including land, water, air and our people), drive climate action and enable a safe circular economy. It outlines the core areas we regulate and our role in state emergency response and incident management.
Our framework and our Regulatory Policy together describe how we regulate. The policy sits under this framework and:
- explains our regulatory decision making including how we identify risks, proactive activities or an appropriate regulatory response to an environmental issue, incident or non-compliance based on relevant factors
- outlines how we use a suite of regulatory tools, and the actions we may take, to prevent harm or address an environmental issue.
The targeted compliance program includes projects for focussed and coordinated compliance action across the organisation for the following year. This Program is one of a number of important elements of our proactive response to critical issues and emerging risks to the environment and our communities.
Our role as environmental stewards
Stewardship is at the heart of what we do.
As environmental stewards we are committed to a sustainable future for NSW, focussing our regulatory activities on improving outcomes that lead to a healthy, sustainable environment and a thriving society.
We will listen to and understand the concerns and expectations of all our communities, as well as industry and government. We will collaborate so we can overcome environmental challenges together.
Aboriginal voices, cultures and knowledges guide our approach to caring for Country so we can protect tomorrow together.
We are responsible for administering a suite of environment protection legislation, which establishes a strong basis for regulation that is outcomes-focused, proactive and includes appropriate compliance mechanisms.
Our choices for the environment are important now and for future generations; being a good steward means earlier and proactive engagement, as well as taking a long-term view to improving outcomes.
The EPA’s objectives (under Section 6 of the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991) convey our role as environmental stewards.
Our objectives are to:
- protect, restore and enhance the quality of the environment having regard to the need to maintain ecologically sustainable development.
- reduce the risks to human health and prevent degradation of the environment.
We apply the precautionary principle. Inconclusive scientific evidence is not a reason for us to not act to prevent harm or future harm to the environment or the health of our communities. In applying this principle, we will assess, evaluate and manage risks.
We act to safeguard inter-generational equity, as stewards of the environment. We aim to ensure the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations.
We act to conserve biodiversity and ecological integrity. We aim to be nature positive and protect and restore the quality of the environment for our native plants, animals and ecosystems.
We encourage businesses to include environmental factors in the cost of goods and services. Businesses should understand and properly consider that the cost of minimising environmental harm is part of the cost of producing goods and providing services.
We apply the ‘polluter pays’ principle. Those who generate pollution and waste should pay for it.