Part 6: Environmental outcomes reports General Section 162: Public consultation etc Effect
Subsection (1) requires that the appropriate authority consult the public before making, amending or repealing existing legislation in respect of environmental assessment. The appropriate authority is also placed under a duty to consult the public when making regulations that set environmental outcomes.
	Subsection (2) requires the appropriate authority to consult public authorities (or other such persons considered appropriate) before making certain guidance or regulations under this Part. Subsection (2)(a) makes provision in relation to regulations in respect of consents and plans subject to this Part, exemptions, enforcement, interaction with existing environmental assessment legislation and the Habitats Regulations (subsections (2)(a)(i)-(iv)). Subsection (2)(b) makes equivalent provision for the purposes of guidance issued under section 163.
	Subsection (3) allows for Environmental Outcomes Report regulations to direct how public authorities must respond to consultation requirements.
	Subsection (4) allows for circumstances in which consultation requirements have already been met before subsections (1) or (2) come into force.