Illawarra declared as the fifth and final REZ in NSW

27 February, 2023
The NSW Minister for Energy has declared a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in the Illawarra region. Following a draft exhibition of the declaration in late 2022, this marks the first key step in establishing the Illawarra REZ under the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020. Read more

Public consultation open: Proposed offshore renewable energy infrastructure area off the NSW Hunter coast

24 February, 2023
The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water announced yesterday that it is seeking public feedback on the possible effects of renewable energy projects off the NSW Hunter coast. This announcement follows last year’s declaration of part of Bass Strait off Victoria’s Gippsland coast as Australia’s first offshore renewable energy infrastructure zone. Read more

Reforms proposed to Safeguard Mechanism framework released

12 January, 2023
Snapshot On 10 January 2023 the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) released a position paper for consultation detailing proposed reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism. The reforms are directed at achieving Australia’s emissions reductions target of 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 and commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, and … Read more

COP15: Nations adopt landmark Global Biodiversity Framework

21 December, 2022
The parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity have adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Framework), which will guide the next decade of global action on biodiversity. The Framework contains some key targets that will impact on government policy, reporting mechanisms and land use practices, which is designed to ensure that biodiversity becomes a consideration in government, corporate and land based decision making. Read more

Queensland Government signals significant changes to heritage legislation

09 December, 2022
The Queensland Government has adopted all 22 recommendations of the Queensland Heritage Advisory Panel’s report into heritage places. The recommendations include significant changes to the powers under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 (Qld), including the introduction of interim protections for heritage places subject to listing applications and broadening the powers regarding the essential repair and maintenance of heritage places. Read more