A review of statutory protections for wastewater treatment plants under the Environmental Protection Act 1994

Closed: 28 August 2026 5pm
Topic: Environmental licensing and regulation
Type: Consultation

Consultation is now open on a review of statutory protections for wastewater treatment plants under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 with a focus on the polluter pays principle and end of line receivers of persistent contaminants.

The Queensland Government is committed to a reviewing the statutory settings for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).

An amendment to the Environment Protection Act 1994 (the EP Act) in 2024 incorporated the polluter pays principle in section 6A.

This consultation seeks stakeholder feedback on the intent and application of the polluter pays principle and current statutory settings, particularly for WWTP operators. It also invites views on the adequacy and usefulness of existing guidance on the polluter pays principle, as well as any legislative or policy changes that may be needed.

How to have your say

Please provide your responses to the questions outlined in Section 7 of the discussion paper (PDF, 466.2KB) or any additional comments you may have to EPAct.Policy@detsi.qld.gov.au by 5pm 28 August 2026.

After consultation closes, the department will review all feedback to prepare a final report for government consideration.