To ensure that the public have adequate opportunity to review referrals and submit public comments, please note the following temporary arrangements during the upcoming Christmas-New Year holiday period.

1. From Thursday 7 December 2023 to Friday 22 December 2023, new referral applications submitted to the Department will continue to be validated and, as required, resubmission requests for further information sent. However, for applications that are found to meet the requirements of the EPBC Act and Regulations during this time, the Department will delay publication until after the holiday period.

2. The Department will not be attended from close of business Friday 22 December 2023 until it resumes operations on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

3. From Tuesday 2 January 2024, the Department will operate as usual. Any applications that are found to meet the requirements of the EPBC Act and Regulations from Thursday 7 December 2023 to Friday 22 December 2023 will be published as soon as practical.

Please direct any questions to the Referrals Gateway at:

E: EPBC.Referrals@DCCEEW.gov.au or Ph: 1800 423 135. If your call is not answered, please leave a voicemail and the department will return your call as soon as possible.

The Minister invites public comment for each referral regarding whether the proposed action is a controlled action. Under section 74(3) of the EPBC Act, proposed actions are open for comment for 10 business days. Guidance on how to make a public comment is available at Public comments and decisions on actions referred under the EPBC Act - DCCEEW.

The EPBC Public Portal is best viewed through a desktop, laptop or tablet.  If you wish to make a comment using a mobile device go to Open for Comments.