Explanatory note
This note is not part of the regulations, but is intended to indicate their general effect.
These regulations, which come into force on 28 June 2013, provide for the Environmental Protection Authority (the EPA) to recover the costs incurred in performing its functions and providing services under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012.
The regulations prescribe hourly rates for EPA staff, and actual and reasonable costs for any other expenses that the EPA reasonably incurs. The regulations provide for monitoring functions and services to be charged at 80% of normal costs and prescribe no charges in relation to functions and services for which Parliament has appropriated funds.
The regulations state, in general, that the person who undertakes or proposes to undertake a restricted activity is the person responsible for paying the costs.
However, in the case of a person (other than the person who undertakes the activity) who requests a ruling under section 162(2) as to whether the adverse effects of an existing petroleum mining activity are minor, that person is responsible for paying the costs of the ruling.