Integrated Project Approvals System
The Integrated Project Approvals System (IPAS) comprises a range of reforms undertaken since 2004 to streamline approval processes for resource and related industrial developments in Western Australia. It is based on key recommendations from the report Review of the Project Development Approvals System 2002. A copy of the final report and appendices can be accessed from this page.
IPAS is built around comprehensive and consultative project scoping to ensure early identification of important issues that may affect the proposed project and approvals that can be required. Project scoping allows government agencies and proponents to agree on what information is required to consider approvals, and timelines for the process. For many development projects, DoIR appoints a Project Manager from its Investment Facilitation Division to help proponents define and develop their proposals. This is particularly the case where a project is deemed to be significant for the State's economy.
For complex projects, the Office of Development Approvals Coordination (ODAC) will provide across-government coordination of approvals. This role complements the part played by DoIR's assigned Project Manager. ODAC and the Project Manager work together as a team with the project proponent. Support from DoIR continues throughout the life of the project.
IPAS phases and pathways
IPAS provides a choice of the standard pathway or a coordinated pathway through three approvals phases, which are:
1. Proponent Consultation
Consultation by the proponent with stakeholders, including local community and government agencies, to identify and discuss issues of public and government concern, potential impacts, the means to address these, and the number and type of approvals needed.
2. Agency Scoping
Negotiation and agreement between project proponents and government agencies on the amount and level of information required to consider approval, and timelines for doing so.
The project proponent then prepares, as agreed, documentation for assessment by agencies.
3. Development Assessment
Government agencies and decision makers assess the detailed proposals and grant relevant approvals where appropriate, and within agreed timelines.
Outline of Integrated Project Approvals System (PDF, opens content from ODAC in new window)
Project Definition
Detailed definition of all aspects of a project is a critical part of the Integrated Project Approvals System (IPAS) - particularly for complex projects. This minimises delays caused by issues arising part way through the approval process.
To start the coordinated approvals process under IPAS the project proponent compiles a Project Definition Document (PDD). Guidance from the DoIR Project Manager and the Office of Development Approvals Coordination (ODAC) can be provided as required.
For projects of any size the information in the PDD Guideline (external link) provides a useful checklist of issues that might need to be considered in developing a proposal.
When a PDD is submitted it is initially screened by agencies to confirm that the use of the coordinated approvals pathway is appropriate. If so, ODAC then coordinates the Agency Scoping phase (external link) to identify:
- Approvals and permits needed
- Issues that must be addressed for assessment
- Required level of detail of submissions
- An agreed timetable for proponent's submissions and agency assessments
Sometimes the PDD will reveal that a project proposal is less complex than first thought, and can be dealt with through DoIR as a straightforward proposal without the need for coordination by ODAC.
If you are not sure whether you need to use the PDD and ODAC coordination, the ODAC team or your DoIR adviser can advise.
The PDD Guideline, PDD Template, and an example PDD can be downloaded from ODAC via the right hand side menu on this page
IPAS Agency Process Manual
The IPAS Agency Process Manual has been developed by the IPAS Management Group consisting of senior representatives from the key approvals agencies.
The manual can be downloaded from the right hand side menu on this page.
