Industry consultation ensures fit for purpose solution for application lodgement
| Date: | Thursday, 22 August 2024 |
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Industry stakeholders will see some exciting progress in the approvals space this year. The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) will launch a new digital solution to improve assessment efficiency and customer experience when lodging environment applications.
The new platform, Resources Online, will ultimately replace the current Environmental Assessment and Regulatory System (EARS) to provide a single user portal.
Taking a phased implementation approach, DEMIRS expects to launch the portal at the end of September with the first release being Programme of Works applications.
The department has been working closely with stakeholders to ensure the product meets industry needs.
“Our goal was to ensure applications are submitted and assessed as efficiently as possible, so it was essential we worked closely with industry to design Resources Online,” said Executive Director Resource and Environmental Compliance Tyler Sujdovic.
Following an industry-wide survey, the department established an industry working group to inform the design and processes around the new solution. Consisting of participants from across the sector, the reference group has ensured a variety of requirements and perspectives have been addressed.
“The feedback we have been receiving from the working group has been encouraging,” Mr Sujdovic said.
“It tells us we are on the right track, and we are looking forward to welcoming the group back to test the system before going live in September.”.
Resources Online is a key deliverable of the department’s Fast Tracking Mining Approvals program, which aims to significantly expand and improve the digital capability of mining and petroleum environmental lodgements.
