What is a Review of Environmental Factors?

A review of environmental factors (REF) is a crucial document that outlines how specific factors outlined in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 could affect the environment if a proposed activity is conducted. This review is essential for public authorities to fulfil their responsibilities under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (EP&A) Act.

The primary purpose of the REF is to provide insight into the potential environmental impacts of a proposed activity, allowing the public authority to carefully assess its implications under Part 5 of the EP&A Act. The scope and detail of an REF may vary based on the severity and complexity of the anticipated environmental effects. An REF assist with the:

• determination of whether an activity should be approved, taking into account, to the fullest extent possible, all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment,
• identification of appropriate conditions to be implemented should approval be given, and
• determination of whether the activity is likely to have a significant effect on the environment or significantly affect threatened species, populations, ecological communities or their habitats, in which case an environmental impact statement (EIS) and/or species impact statement (SIS) or biodiversity development assessment report (BDAR) will need to be prepared and considered before approval may be granted.