Licences and works approvals

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) regulates industrial emissions and discharges to the environment through a works approval and licensing process, under Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act).

Industrial premises with potential to cause emissions and discharges to air, land or water are known as ‘prescribed premises’ and trigger regulation under the EP Act. Prescribed premises categories are outlined in Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection Regulations 1987.

The EP Act requires a works approval to be obtained before constructing a prescribed industrial premises and makes it an offence to cause an emission or discharge unless a licence or registration is held for the premises.

General information on the Department’s regulatory role and the timeframes for assessments and determinations is outlined in the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation - Regulatory Services Factsheet.