The NSW Government has introduced the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Territorial Limits) Bill 2019 (NSW) (Bill) into the NSW Parliament. The Bill proposes to prohibit conditions of consent which would regulate downstream greenhouse gas emissions. Read more

Proponents of new and expansion coal mine projects face increased scrutiny to facilitate ecologically sustainable development and ensure that the cost of environmental effects is not disproportionately borne by future generations. We explore the refusal of an open cut and underground coal mine in Bylong Valley, NSW. Read more

Our new Climate Change: Succeed in a lower-carbon future report, which gathers insights from our global experts, considers the political, regulatory and commercial pressures arising from climate change, looks at the steps for ensuring that risk management practices measure up to the climate change challenge, and examines the benefits for businesses in all sectors that lead the transformation and innovate toward a lower-carbon future. Read more

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

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

Last week the WA EPA commenced consultation on the greenhouse gas guidance. Submissions are due by 2 September 2019. Here we provide an overview of the EPA’s policy position and potential implications for industry. Read more

Proponents seeking consent for new projects, or modifications of existing projects, with ‘material’ greenhouse gas emissions across all industries in NSW should carefully assess climate change impacts, particularly if the proposal is not ‘carbon neutral’. On 8 February 2019, the NSW Land and Environment Court refused development consent for a new open cut mine near Gloucester, NSW. Read more