MIDAA - What is it?
Major Infrastructure Development Approval Act 1999.
For major projects that have economic, environmental and social impacts beyond a single municipal area. It streamlines multiple approvals through either the Tasmanian Planning Commission or a Panel with a representative from each council. It is a development assessment and approval pathways for major projects that elevate them above normal planning assessment processes.
Projects that go through MIDAA can still require Commonwealth Government approval where they involve activities that are likely to impact significantly on matters of national environmental significance under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. BUT there is a bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth Government and Tasmania to accredit particular assessment and approval processes.
For major projects that have economic, environmental and social impacts beyond a single municipal area. It streamlines multiple approvals through either the Tasmanian Planning Commission or a Panel with a representative from each council. It is a development assessment and approval pathways for major projects that elevate them above normal planning assessment processes.
Projects that go through MIDAA can still require Commonwealth Government approval where they involve activities that are likely to impact significantly on matters of national environmental significance under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. BUT there is a bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth Government and Tasmania to accredit particular assessment and approval processes.
From Proponents Report 20 December 2019
THE MIDAA PROCESS - SOLVE's CURRENT UNDERSTANDING OF THE MIDAA PROJECT TIMELINE AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY INTERACTION
MIDAA has only been used in Tasmania a couple of times, so it is no surprise that information on the process is scarce. We have made a flow chart and highlighted key questions within the process - will the planning process go through the Planning Commission or a panel? What assessments will be required? will the project be 'called in' and go to the Federal Environment Minister? will that Minister decide it is a 'controlled action'? Will further assessment go through the EPBCA (Federal) or use a bilaterial agreement returning it to Tasmania for final environmental assessment?
There are key points in the process for all groups and the wider community to be involved.
There are key points in the process for all groups and the wider community to be involved.
