Referrals Spatial Database

The Referrals Spatial Database records locations of referrals submitted to the Department under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC Act) 1999. A proponent (who are those proposing a development) must supply the maximum extent (location) of any proposed activities that need to be assessed under the EPBC Act through an application process. Referral boundaries should not be misinterpreted as development footprints but where referrals have been received by the Department.

It should be noted that not all referrals captured within the Referrals Spatial Database, are assessed and approved by the Minister for the Environment, as some are withdrawn before assessment can take place. For more detailed information on a referral a URL is provided to the EPBC Act Public notices pages. Status and detailed planning documentation is available on the EPBC Act Public notices (http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?). This includes some summary statistics and public notifications.

In the first instance where a proponent provides GIS data through a referral application, this is loaded as the polygons for a referral. Where this doesn't exist other means to digitise boundaries are employed to provide a relatively accurate reflection of the maximum extent for which the referral may impact. This sometimes takes the form of heads up digitising planning documents, sourcing from other state databases (such as PSMA Australia) features and coordinates supplied through the application forms.