The General Environment Duty (GED) in Western Australia - Stopping the horse before it bolts
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Prafula Pearce: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3072-7406
Joshua Aston: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7850-081X
Mostafa Naser: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3795-0216
Tanzim Afroz: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2879-567X
Haydn Rigby: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4696-6789
Abstract
With increased population, coupled with growing levels of housing density and associated industrial activities, local natural environments are increasingly exposed to consequent stressors and pressures. Environmental policies, Acts and guidelines across states and territories are inconsistent and, in many cases, fail to address and mitigate growing risks to biodiversity and the environment. This article explores the Victorian government's approach which is an exemplar of jurisdictions which have included the general environmental duty (GED) principle where polluters have increased responsibility to avoid harm, and whether there is a need for a similar approach to be adopted by the West Australian (WA) government. Using the case study of the Beenyup wastewater treatment plant that is within a Class A marine park and the Sepia Depression borders, another sensitive and biodiverse marine park, the article concludes the need for integrating the GED into WA's environmental protection framework and indeed any jurisdiction without GED.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
7-8-2025
Publication Title
Environmental and Planning Law Journal
Publisher
Thomson Reuters
School
School of Business and Law
RAS ID
82327
Copyright
subscription content
Comments
Pearce, P., Aston, J., Allen, K., Naser, M., Afroz, T., & Rigby, H. (2025). The General Environment Duty (GED) in Western Australia - Stopping the horse before it bolts. Environmental and Planning Law Journal, 41(3), 231-239. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.T2025092300014891012453370