Do you have an environmental concern? Here’s who you can speak to.
Every state and territory has a range of regulatory bodies you can contact today.
If you find yourself dealing with excessive noise or other environmental concerns caused by mining activities, it's essential to know that there are channels to voice your complaints and seek solutions.
Start with these steps:
1. Always begin by lodging a complaint with the Mine site’s community complaints hotline or email.
2. Have more than one person in the community lodge a complaint so the mine will take the complaint seriously.
3. Follow up with the mine to make sure your complaints have been heard and actioned.
This article is a guide on who to contact across Australian to address noise and environmental issues near mine sites.
1. New South Wales, Australia
Local Council: Your local council is often the first point of contact for noise complaints. They can provide guidance on the regulations and policies governing noise levels near mine sites.
Find my local council.
NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA): The NSW EPA oversees environmental issues, including noise pollution. You can contact them to report noise concerns and seek assistance in addressing environmental problems caused by mining activities.
Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment: This department can provide information on mining regulations, approvals, and compliance in New South Wales.
Planning and environment contact.
2. Queensland, Australia
Local Council: Contact your local council to report noise disturbances and environmental concerns caused by mining activities. They can provide guidance on local regulations and policies.
Queensland Department of Environment and Science: This department handles environmental issues and can assist with reporting and addressing noise and environmental concerns near mine sites.
Report an environmental nuisance.
Queensland Resources Council (QRC): QRC represents the mining and resources sector in Queensland. They can provide information on industry standards and practices.
3. Victoria, Australia
Local Council: Your local council is your initial contact point for noise complaints. They can advise you on local regulations and procedures for addressing noise and environmental issues.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA): EPA Victoria is responsible for regulating and managing environmental issues, including noise pollution. You can report concerns to them for investigation and resolution.
Department of Jobs, Precincts, and Regions: This department oversees mining operations in Victoria and can provide information on mining regulations and compliance.
Report an issue with the DJPR.
4. Tasmania, Australia
Local Council: Contact your local council to report noise disturbances near mine sites. They can guide you on local regulations and how to proceed with your complaint.
Tasmania Environmental Protection Authority (EPA): The EPA in Tasmania handles environmental concerns, including noise pollution. They can assist in addressing environmental issues near mine sites.
Mineral Resources Tasmania: This agency is responsible for regulating mining operations in Tasmania. They can provide information on mining activities and compliance.
Contact the Mineral Resources Tasmania.
5. Western Australia, Australia
Local Council: Begin by contacting your local council to report noise and environmental concerns. They can provide guidance on local regulations and procedures.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation: This department oversees environmental protection in Western Australia and can assist with reporting and addressing noise and environmental issues caused by mining activities.
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation, and Safety: For information on mining regulations and compliance, reach out to this department, which oversees mining operations in Western Australia.
6. Northern Territory, Australia
Local Council: Contact your local council to report noise disturbances near mine sites. They can provide information on local regulations and how to proceed with your complaint.
Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Northern Territory: The EPA NT manages environmental issues, including noise pollution. You can report concerns to them for investigation and resolution.
Contact the Northern Territory EPA.
Department of Primary Industry and Resources: This department is responsible for regulating mining activities in the Northern Territory. They can provide information on mining operations and compliance.
7. South Australia, Australia
Local Council: Begin by reaching out to your local council to report noise and environmental concerns near mine sites. They can advise you on local regulations and procedures.
Environment Protection Authority (EPA) South Australia: The EPA SA handles environmental issues, including noise pollution. They can assist with reporting and addressing environmental concerns caused by mining activities.
Contact the South Australian EPA.
Department for Energy and Mining: For information on mining regulations and compliance, contact this department, which oversees mining operations in South Australia.
Energy & Mining complaints and feedback.
8. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
While the ACT does not have mining operations, if you are experiencing noise or environmental issues due to mining activities in neighboring regions, consider contacting the relevant authorities in New South Wales or other nearby states.
In conclusion, if you have noise or environmental concerns related to mining activities near your residence, it's crucial to take action. The appropriate authorities, including local councils, environmental protection agencies, and government departments, can provide guidance and support in addressing these issues. By reporting your concerns and engaging with these organisations, you can contribute to a safer and more peaceful living environment for yourself and your community. Remember that responsible mining practices and compliance with environmental regulations are essential for protecting the well-being of residents near mining sites.