PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The New South Wales government has become the second signatory to the federal government’s efforts to create a one-stop shop for environmental approvals.

Following the endorsement of the Queensland government in October, the New South Wales government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the federal government, which was hoping to sign-on all state and territory governments within 12 months, and to fast-track the eradication of red and green tape for environmental approvals.

Last month, federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt announced the measures to streamline environmental approvals for the mining sector.

The government would approach the streamlining process in three stages, the first of which was to sign a MoU with each of the willing states on the key principles and confirming cooperation on achieving a single process.

The second stage would see the federal and state governments agree on bilateral assessments and updating those that were already in, while stage three would see agreements on bilateral approvals within 12 months with willing states.

New South Wales premier Barry O’Farrell said this week that a one-stop shop would eliminate duplication, deliver more timely approvals and enable Australian businesses to expedite their work.

“It will mean only one approval is needed, not two,” he added.

He noted that the same strict environmental standards would continue to apply, but added that the one-stop shop for environmental approvals would ensure swifter decisions and more certainty, while increasing jobs and investment in New South Wales.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (Amec) has welcomed the New South Wales government’s MoU, saying the one-stop shop would remove the current significant duplications and additional layers of approvals required under current law.

“Removing barriers for explorers and miners will increase confidence in New South Wales and help attract investment in the mining and mineral exploration industry,” said Amec regional manager Bernie Hogan.