On 11 July 2019, the Climate Change Authority released a Consultation Paper regarding the Authority’s update of its previous advice to the Commonwealth Government on the policy toolkit required to meet Australia’s greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement. Submissions on the Consultation Paper may be made until 23 August 2019. Read more
Climate change considerations have been pivotal to a recent State Administrative Tribunal decision in Western Australia: Two Rocks Investments Pty Ltd and Western Australian Planning Commission [2019] WASAT 59. This decision is the first of its kind in Western Australia. Read more
The WA Supreme Court of Appeal this week rejected the appeal by the Conservation Council of WA Inc. against dismissal of its judicial review application on the Part IV Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA) approval of the Yeelirrie uranium mine project proposal. Read more
Yesterday, the WA Minister for Aboriginal Affairs publicly announced that a draft bill to reform WA’s Aboriginal heritage legislation will be made available for public comment in early 2020. Read more
The Victorian government has today released the new Solar Energy Facilities – Design and Development Guideline (Guidelines), reflecting the similar policy approach to wind energy facilities.A planning scheme amendment is now expected to occur imminently to introduce the Guidelines to the Victoria Planning Provisions which will require all applicants for a solar energy facility to, as relevant, consider and follow the Guidelines prior to, and when, making a planning permit application. Read more
In November 2017, the Equator Principles Association (EP Association) announced a review of the Equator Principles in response to the changing approach of financial institutions, regulators, proponents and civil society to environmental and social risks. On 24 June 2019, the EP Association released a draft version four of the Equator Principles (Draft EP4). There are four proposed key amendments that financial institutions and proponents should be aware of. Read more
What’s new in waste this new financial year? Effective from 1 July 2019, many State governments have introduced or increased waste levies at their landfills and collection depots. Read more
Last month DWER released its ‘Guideline: Industry Regulation Guide to Licensing’ which sets out DWER’s approach to the interpretation and administration of Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA) and notably establishes a new approach for prescribed premises with certain containment infrastructure. Read more
