Guiding us through the transition back to the Aboriginal Heritage Act – Guidelines released

The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 (WA) has now officially been repealed and the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA) has been reinstated with amendments. The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has published two new guideline documents on their website to aid in understanding the operation of the amended Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA). This blog post sets out the key details of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage's guidance documents and the State Government funding that has recently been announced to assist proponents to comply with their obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA). Read more

Have your say on the draft NSW energy policy framework

To support the clean energy transition, draft guidelines for wind, solar, transmission, benefit-sharing and private agreements have been released by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. This new policy package should be reviewed by existing and prospective applicants of clean energy and transmission projects in NSW. Read more

Developers must meet improved sustainability standards in NSW

Residential and non-residential development in NSW is subject to more stringent sustainability standards under the new State Environmental Planning Policy (Sustainable Buildings) 2022. This is expected to put sustainability at the forefront of development and contribute to the delivery of a net zero economy in NSW by 2050.   Read more

Heritage today and tomorrow: An update on Aboriginal cultural heritage legislation in Western Australia

On Tuesday, the Western Australian State Government formally announced the new Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 (WA) will be repealed, just over a month after it commenced. Regulation of Aboriginal cultural heritage will revert back to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA). In this blog post, we explain what the repeal legislation contains, implications for companies operating during the transition period and what might be on the horizon over the next year in this space. Read more