Originally published in 2014
Last updated: 14 August 2026
2024
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2024 update
These guidelines have been transitioned into a new accessible template with references and departmental contacts updated.
No other parts of this document were updated. When using this document ensure that you check other resources, including scientific literature for the most up to date species information.
About the document
We are responsible for a range of regulatory functions under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Under the EPBC Act an approval is required from the Minister for any proposed action likely to have a significant impact on a matter protected by the EPBC Act.
The Minister, or their delegate, approves the taking of the action by signing an instrument of decision. Many approval decisions include a requirement for the approval holder to prepare and submit for approval by the Minster, environmental management plans.
Environmental management plans describe how an action might impact on the natural environment in which it occurs and set out clear commitments from the person taking the action on how those impacts will be avoided, minimised and managed so that they are environmentally acceptable.
The Environmental Management Plan Guidelines provides general guidance to stakeholders preparing environmental management plans for environmental impact assessments and approvals under Chapter 4 of the EPBC Act.
In particular, this document includes guidance on:
- general principles for the preparation of an environmental management plan;
- content of an environmental management plan;
- evaluating risk; and
- format of submissions.