The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth): An evaluation of its cost-effectiveness

Abstract

This article outlines the results of a broad cost-effectiveness analysis of the federal environmental impact assessment (EIA) regime under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth). Statistics on the operation of the EIA regime are reviewed and an analysis of the regime's effectiveness in dealing with Australia's main environmental threats is provided. Consideration is also given to any indirect benefits the regime may have generated. The identified environmental achievements of the EIA regime over the period July 2000 to 30 June 2008 are compared to its administration costs, which are estimated at $135 million-$220 million. The conclusion is reached that over the study period the EIA regime generated minor improvements in environmental outcomes at moderate to high cost. Show more