About the environment approval process

TMR made a referral for the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, now known as The Wave – Stage 1 and Stage 2 (Rail), under the EPBC Act in August 2024. The outcome of the referral was a controlled action decision, with the project to be assessed by Public Environment Report (PER).

The Public Environment Report assessment and approval process is set out by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

The assessment guidelines setting out what information is required for the draft PER are issued by DCCEEW. Visit the DCCEEW website for more information.

The project will be undertaking environmental investigations and engaging with the community and key environmental stakeholder groups throughout 2025 to support preparation of the draft PER. The draft PER is expected to be available for public comment in early to mid-2026.

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    August 2024

    Project referred to DCCEEW under the EPBC Act

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    September 2024

    Referral published on the EPBC Act Public Portal and comments open for 10 business day public comment period

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    January 2025

    DCCEEW advised the outcome of the referral was a controlled action decision, with the project to be assessed by Public Environment Report (PER)

  • Timeline item 4 - complete

    February 2025

    Draft PER guidelines published on EPBC Act Public Portal and comments open for 10 business day public comment period

  • Timeline item 5 - complete

    March 2025

    PER guidelines published on the EPBC Act Public Portal

  • Timeline item 6 - active

    2025

    Work underway to develop draft PER, including opportunities for consultation and engagement with key stakeholders

  • Timeline item 7 - incomplete

    Early/mid-2026

    Draft PER published for public comment