The Referrals Spatial Database - Public records locations of referrals submitted to the Department under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC Act) 1999. A proponent (those who are proposing a development) must supply the maximum extent (location) of any proposed activities that need to be assessed under the EPBC Act through an application process.Referral boundaries should not be misinterpreted as development footprints but where referrals have been received by the Department. It should be noted that not all referrals captured within the Referrals Spatial Database, are assessed and approved by the Minister for the Environment, as some are withdrawn before assessment can take place. For more detailed information on a referral a URL is provided to the EPBC Act Public notices pages. Status and detailed planning documentation is available on the EPBC Act Public notice database.Post September 2019, this dataset is updated using a spatial data capture tool embedded within the Referral form on the department’s website. Users are able to supply spatial data in multiple formats, review spatial data online and submitted with the completed referral form automatically. Nightly processes update this dataset that are then available for internal staff to use (usually within 24 hours).Prior to September 2019, a manual process was employed to update this dataset. In the first instance where a proponent provides GIS data, this is loaded as the polygons for a referral. Where this doesn't exist other means to digitize boundaries are employed to provide a relatively accurate reflection of the maximum extent for which the referral may impact (it is not a development footprint). This sometimes takes the form of heads up digitizing planning documents, sourcing from other state databases (such as PSMA Australia) features and coordinates supplied through the application forms.Any variations to boundaries after the initial referral (i.e. during the assessment, approval or post-approval stages) are processed on an ad hoc basis through a manual update to the dataset. For more information about referrals please visit: Referrals under the EPBC Act - DAWE
