The Minister's power under s 45C of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA) to approve changes to an original proposal is not confined to wholly prospective changes; the Minister may approve a change that has been partially implemented, but the approval operates prospectively only and does not provide a defence to prior breaches. The 'effect of the original proposal' in s 45C(2) is assessed by reference to the actual effect of the proposal as implemented, not its intended effect as reflected in implementation conditions. The legislative scheme of Part IV excludes any obligation on the Minister to afford procedural fairness to third parties (including neighbouring landowners) when exercising the power under s 45C.
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