Annual returns and fees for an environmental authority

Annual fees

For most activities, environmental authority (EA) holders will be required to pay an ongoing annual fee for the EA.

Prior to the due date for the annual fee, the administering authority will issue you with a notice outlining this requirement. This notice will be sent at least 20 business days before the anniversary day for the EA (i.e. the day your EA took effect), and this notice will include details on when and where to pay your fees.

Free ecoBiz program

Queensland businesses with less than 200 full time employees (FTEs) can register for the free Business Chamber Queensland ecoBiz program. The ecoBiz program is a free eco-efficiency program for Queensland businesses that can help cut costs associated with your energy, water and waste usage while also reducing your environmental impact. Access on-site one on one coaching session with an ecoBiz sustainability expert, to help save money and resources, and help your business go green by putting sustainability initiatives into practice. You could be eligible for a 10% EA fee reduction after 12 months of implementing the recommendations from the sustainability expert if at least a 10% reduction is achieved in either energy, water, or waste (all 3 must be monitored to be eligible for the reduction). Learn more about the ecoBiz program.

Read more about annual fees for EAs.

Annual returns

For resource activities, you must submit an annual return.

The annual return will be issued prior to its due date, which is 1 April each year. This form will include information on how to submit your completed annual return.

Holders of an EA for a prescribed activity will not receive an annual return from the department, and therefore will not be required to submit one.

Read the annual return requirements for resource activities: frequently asked questions (ESR/2022/6003) (PDF, 282KB) for more information.

Also consider...

• Find out how to change the anniversary day of an EA.
• Read more about the fee for changing the anniversary day (PDF, 404KB).
• Read more about the annual fees for environmentally relevant activities (ERAs) (PDF, 1MB).