(1) The NT EPA may suspend the environmental impact assessment process for the proposed action or strategic proposal until it has made a decision on the significant variation.
(2) If the NT EPA suspends the environmental impact assessment process under subregulation (1), the required period for the NT EPA to make a decision on the proposed action or strategic proposal under Part 4, 5 or 6 ceases to run until the NT EPA makes a decision on the significant variation.