Why on-line training?

Overview

I have run two courses as a face-to-face offering several times now - environmental impact assessment and offsetting - and whilst that suits many people, others find giving up a whole day can be difficult to do. As well, some people like the idea of doing a course at their own pace and in their own time. Consequently, if have adapted my courses for on-line delivery.

EIA Courses structure and key learning resource

I have just published a text book on EIA in WA, and this is the key resource for this on-line course. The book has 12 chapters, and these make up the modules of the on-line course, as described below. Each module has a short quiz to complete once you have finished the chapter reading.

After each quiz there is a short assignment, which ask participants to explore a topic dealt with in that module. Once you have completed and submitted each assignment, I will assess it and provide feedback. You have the choice of having written feedback or you can opt for a Zoom/Skype/Team etc meeting to discuss the assignment. This is a one-to-one session and will provided you with an opportunity to ask any questions about the course content or related issues. The assignment are based on a detailed case study provided to you.

You can opt to have the Zoom/Skype/Team etc meeting before you submit the assignment.

Once you have enrolled in the course, you will receive a copy of the book in the format of you choice as well as the additional booklet with the quizzes and assignments.

You can enrol in the EIA course by clicking here.

Environmental impacts assessment course

This course explains the practice of environmental impact assessment (EIA), with a particular emphasis on the Western Australian (WA) processes. The EIA process in other Australian jurisdictions is briefly covered, but the Commonwealth EIA process is given more attention as it is relevant to how the WA process is carried out.

This course is specifically aimed at WA professionals, practitioners and community members who want to better understand the WA EIA process so as to better engage with it. 

The course has 12 modules as described below.

Module 1 - Introduction and overview of EIA

In this module you will be introduced to the meaning and practice of environmental impact assessment (EIA). It will begin with an explanation of the three words that make up EIA, followed by a quick introduction how EIA works in support of government decision making. Next is an overview of what EIA is followed by a brief history of the practice of EIA. The module finishes with a list of key words used in EIA.

Module 2 – Overview of the EIA process

This module gives an overview of the key steps in the EIA process which is generally applicable to how EIA is practiced throughout the world.

Module 3 – Screening and screening

This module is very short and covers the screening process in detail and scoping which is primality a two key steps in the EIA process, but also noting it should be iterative throughout the whole EIA process.

Module 4 - Doing and EIA - Assessment

The module covers the assessment part of EIA, which forms the basis for the decision-making. There are, in effect, two assessments carried out during an EIA: the proponent’s assessment as set out in the EIS; and, the assessment by the environmental agency. This module covers both assessments.

Module 5 - The EIA assessment process in WA (project EIA)

This is the first of the modules that deals primarily with the WA EIA process. This module deals with the EPA assessment process ending at the point where the EPA reports to the Minister on its assessment. The next module deals with the decision making process after the EPA assessment has completed. As the title indicates, this is the process for proposals. The process for the assessment of planning schemes is dealt with in module 8.

Module 6 – Final approval, condition setting and management plans

This module is mostly about the final approval and condition setting process as it applies in WA. Some preliminary general comments about the process are made which apply to most EIA jurisdictions, but the main focus will be on in the WA process.

Module 7 - Assessment of planning schemes

As noted previously, Module 6 deals with WA EIA process for assessment of projects. The process for the assessment of planning schemes is a separate one with some important differences, which is covered in this module.

Module 8 – Post assessment

This module deals with all matters that occur after the assessment and final approval, including follow-up, changes to proposals and conditions, and appeals.

Module 9 – Strategic environmental assessment

 This module deals with strategic environmental assessment, with a focus on the formal and informal process in WA.

Module 10 - Social and social impact assessment

This covers ‘social surroundings’ as it applies to the WA EIA process and well as the separate SIA process.

Module 11 - Uncertainty and risk in EIA

This covers the nature of uncertainty, how this translates into risk, the nature of risk and how it is applied in EIA.

Module 12 - Commonwealth EIA process, and EIA in other Australian juristictions

Whilst this course has a clear focus on the WA EIA system, the EIA process of the Commonwealth can also apply to proposals in WA. This module covers the Commonwealth process in some detail as well as providing an overview of the EIA processes in other jurisdictions..

Enrolling in a course

You can enrol in the EIA course by clicking here. Once payment has been received, I will organise an initial Zoom/Skype/Team etc meeting with you, and you will then be given the book and the additional booklet with the quizzes and assignments.