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

The NSW Government has announced new rules for independent planning panels seeking to reduce corruption risks and improve decision-making processes. Read more

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

The 2023 Federal Budget has promised increased funding and programs supporting climate and environmental initiatives. Snapshot This is the first Federal Budget since the Government committed Australia to a 43% emissions reduction target by 2030 and net zero by 2050 and the release of the State of the Environment Report.  The Budget contains key funding … Read more

Australia is set for new climate legislation after Parliament passed the Climate Change Bill 2022 and the Climate Change (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2022 (together, the Climate Bills). The Climate Bills will come into force following royal assent. Read more

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has reviewed its greenhouse gas assessment guidance and has today published a Draft Environmental Factor Guideline – Greenhouse Gas Emissions (draft EFG GHG). The EFG GHG was first published in April 2020, subject to review after 2 years. The purpose of the EFG GHG is to communicate how GHG emissions … Read more

The Environment Council of Central Queensland has submitted reconsideration requests for 19 projects under section 78A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). The projects are all coal and gas projects, principally but not exclusively in Queensland, that are currently undergoing assessment under the EPBC Act. Read more

The NSW Court of Appeal has confirmed that a personal interest that cannot be legally enforced is not a compensable “interest in land” under NSW compulsory acquisition legislation. This case is important for acquiring authorities, businesses and landowners, as it clarifies when compensation is payable when land occupied by a person other than the landowner … Read more