Environmental authority application
Apply for an environmental authority. Find out how to transfer, amalgamate, amend or surrender a current authority.
About environmental authorities
An environmental authority is an approval given by Council or the Queensland Government to carry out an Environmentally Relevant Activity (ERA).
ERAs have the potential to damage or pollute the environment. They include a range of industrial, resource or intensive agricultural activities.
Determine if you need an environmental authority
Businesses that carry out an ERA need to apply for an environmental authority.
When you need an environmental authority
You need to apply for an environmental authority from Council if your business:
- manufactures more than 1,000 tonnes of asphalt in a year
- manufactures 5 tonnes or more of foam, composite plastics or fibre-reinforced plastics in a year
- manufactures 50 tonnes or more of plastic products in a year
- hot forms a total of 10,000 tonnes or more of metal in a year
- performs anodising, electroplating, enamelling or galvanising using one to 100 tonnes of surface coating materials in a year
- maintains or repairs components of boats or seaplanes.
Exemptions from an environmental authority
You don’t need an environmental authority for any activity not listed in Schedule 2 of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019.
You must still:
- have planning approval
- comply with the General Environmental Duty (section 319) of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
Fees for environmental authorities
Application fees
You must pay an application fee to apply for a new authority, or to transfer, amalgamate or amend an existing one.
| Application type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New authority | $705 plus the annual fee for the relevant activity |
| Transfer | $143.45 |
| Amalgamate | $359.75 |
| Amend | $347.60 |
Annual fees
You must pay an annual fee for your ERA. The fees don’t attract GST.
| ERA type | Activity | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ERA 6 - Asphalt manufacturing | Manufacturing more than 1,000 tonnes of asphalt in a year. | $2,120.25 |
| ERA 12 - Plastic product manufacturing | Manufacturing more than 50 tonnes of plastic product in a year, other than foam, composite plastics or rigid fibre-reinforced plastics. | $1,855.50 |
| Manufacturing 5 tonnes or more of foam, composite plastics or rigid fibre-reinforced plastics in a year. | $3,578.25 | |
| ERA 19 - Metal forming | Hot forming 10,000 tonnes or more of metal in a year. | $711.80 |
| ERA 38 - Surface coating | Anodising, electroplating, enamelling or galvanising using one to 100 tonnes of surface coating materials in a year. | $711.80 |
| ERA 49 - Boat maintenance or repair facility | Operating a boat maintenance or repair facility on a commercial basis to maintain or repair hulls, superstructure or mechanical components of boats and seaplanes. | $1,126.45 |
Apply for an environmental authority
You must register as a suitable operator with the Queensland Government before you apply for an environmental authority.
All ERAs administered by Council need planning approval.
If you’ve already received planning approval, apply directly for an environmental authority.
If you don’t have planning approval, you must first submit a development application.
To do this, use the Development Assessment Form 1. The form lets you submit an application for development assessment and an environmental authority at the same time. This means you don’t need to apply for an environmental authority separately.
You can then submit the development application associated with setting up an industrial business.
Do you need some help? Learn how to prepare and lodge your application.
Complete the online form to apply for environmental authority.
If you’re applying in the name of a company, you must provide a complete list of all directors or members of the management committee.
You can also submit your application with your supporting documents:
- in person at a Council Customer Centre
- by mail to:
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001
You can pay the application fee using a Visa or Mastercard.
Manage your environmental authority
You can apply to make changes to your environmental authority. This includes to:
- amend an authority
- transfer an authority to a new owner
- amalgamate authorities.
Use the online or hard copy environmental authority application form to update your authority.
You will receive a renewal notice every 12 months.
You can pay your renewal fee using BPAY or a credit card.
When your renewal is approved, you’ll be mailed a new environmental authority certificate.
You can request an inspection report that outlines the current compliance status of a business.
Request a report if you:
- plan to purchase a business that’s conducting an existing ERA
- need to demonstrate compliance for an insurance or bank application.
If you have an environmental authority that you don't need, complete the online form to apply to surrender it.
Council officers will conduct an inspection before finalising an outcome.
For more information, phone Council’s Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263).
Frequently asked questions
To find out what ERAs you may need an environmental authority for, read Schedule 2 of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019.
Yes, you can apply to transfer an authority to another party.
Make sure you pay the transfer fee and provide relevant supporting documents.
To amend your environmental authority, complete the online form.
You need to provide the relevant supporting documents and pay the amendment fee.
We’ll contact you about the outcome after you submit your application. You need to comply with your approval conditions if your application is successful.
Learn more about what happens after you apply.
The Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science regulates environmental practices in Queensland. The department has delegated certain activities and powers to local governments to regulate.
Visit the Department of Environment and Science to find out more.