Resources

Guidelines and other information

• Queensland auditor handbook for contaminated land
  • Module 1: Introduction to the Auditor Framework ESR/2018/4226 version 2.00, effective 23 July 2018: outlines the structure and content of the handbook; gives a brief overview of the legislation that regulates their functions; and provides advice on where to find additional information about contaminated land auditors.
  • Module 2: Auditor application requirements ESR/2016/2152 version 2.00, effective 23 July 2018: explains how to apply to become an auditor in Queensland, either as a new applicant or by mutual recognition of an approval from another state; and explains how to apply to renew an auditor’s existing approval.
  • Module 3: Assessment of auditor applications ESR/2016/2153 version 2.00, effective 23 July 2018: describes the separate assessment processes for an auditor's first-time application, renewal application, or mutual recognition application; and provides new applicants with advice on how to prepare for the examination and interview.
  • Module 4: Code of professional conduct ESR/2016/2154 version 2.01, effective 23 January 2019: sets out how an auditor must conduct their functions; lists the legally binding expectations for an auditor's professional behaviour; and lists the obligations for how they administer their work.
  • Module 5: Auditor's functions ESR/2015/1807 version 2.02, effective 11 April 2023: describes what an auditor does, and how they do it; provides information about how auditors interact with those who own or investigate contaminated land; and gives an overview of how the government oversees the performance of auditors.
  • Module 6: Content requirements for contaminated land investigation documents, certifications and audit reports ESR/2018/4224 version 2.04 Effective 10 December 2025: provides advice about the required content of a contaminated land investigation document, an auditor’s certification, and an audit report.
• Guideline: Draft site management plan – ESR/2025/7047 version 1.01, effective 10 December 2025
• Guideline: Duty to notify of environmental harm – ESR/2016/2271 version 6.00, effective 23 October 2025
• Guideline: List, amend and remove land – Environmental Management and Contaminated Land Registers – ESR/2016/2044 version 2.00, effective 3 December 2025
• Information sheet: Land that has not been subjected to contamination nor a notifiable activity – ESR/2025/7078 version 1.00, effective 23 October 2025
• Information sheet: Area management advice for land potentially affected by UXO – ESR/2015/1841 version 5.03, effective 13 August 2024
• Information sheet: Area management advice for land potentially affected by UXO – Western Downs – ESR/2015/1862 version 5.03, effective 13 August 2024

Forms to complete and send to the department

• Application for approval as an auditor for contaminated land ESR/2016/2150 version 4.03 effective 24 September 2025
• Application for a disposal permit for contaminated soil ESR/2015/1832 version 5.00 effective 13 January 2026
• Approved form for the submission of Contaminated land investigation document ESR/2023/6339 version 1.03 effective 19 May 2023
• Duty to notify of environmental harm due to an event ESR/2016/2230 version 5.02 effective 23 April 2026
• Duty to notify of environmental harm due to a change in the condition of contaminated land ESR/2025/7150 version 1.02, effective 23 April 2026
• Duty to notify about a notifiable activity under schedule 3 of the EP Act ESR/2015/1845 version 6.02, effective 23 April 2026
• Duty to notify the negative affect on the water quality of, or the connection of two or more aquifers ESR/2015/1753 version 8.02, effective 23 April 2026
• Form to make an enquiry about land that has not been subjected to contamination nor a notifiable activity ESR/2025/7077 version 1.00, effective 23 October 2025
• Complaint form for making a complaint about an auditor (online form)

Resources for suitably qualified persons only

• A site suitability statement template ESR/2015/1857 version 2.05 effective 19 December 2025 for use by suitably qualified persons when preparing a contaminated land investigation document.
• Professional Support Team – Suitably qualified person declaration ESR/2015/1856 version 1.06, effective 3 July 2024
  This template is for use by a person acting as a SQP’s Professional Support Team to make a declaration under section 566 of the EP Act.

Resources for auditors only

• Template for a support expert's statement ESR/2015/1859 version 2.01, effective 4 July 2024
  This template is to be used by any support expert (engaged by an auditor to provide expert advice) to make a statement about specific matters which must accompany the auditor’s certification.
• Auditor’s notification form ESR/2016/2148 version 1.04, effective 4 July 2024
  This form is for use by any auditor to notify about a matter as required by the code of professional conduct for auditors.