The Western Australian public will now have access to mining companies’ dirty environmental linen after the State Government passed legislation that allows the general public access to detailed environmental plans.

State Mines and Petroleum Minister, Bill Marmion, that the new online system for submitting Annual Environmental Reports (AERs) to the department provided a range of benefits.

This system will improve data consistency, efficiency and transparency across the department’s services,” Mr Marmion said. 

“It will also provide the public with easily accessible information on how resource companies are responding to their environmental responsibilities.”

Annual Environmental Reports detail a company’s mining activities, as well as disturbance areas and completed environmental rehabilitation works.

The Minister said while the department released the online system in December last year, it would become compulsory from July 1.