Annual returns and fees for an environmental authority

Use our forms and fees finder for information on applying for a new environmental authority (EA) or managing your existing EAs.

Annual fees

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

Prior to the due date for the annual fee, the administering authority will issue EA holders 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 the EA took effect), and this notice will include details on when and where to pay the annual fee.

Free ecoBiz program

Queensland businesses with less than 200 full time employees 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

Each year holders of certain EAs are required to complete and submit an annual return to the administering authority.

If an EA holder is required to submit an annual return they will receive a written notice of this requirement.

The annual return notice will be issued prior to its due date, which is 1 April each year. The annual return notice will include information on how to complete and submit the annual return.

Holders of EAs that do not receive an annual return notice from the administering authority will not be required to submit an annual return.

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

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