On 14 December 2020, the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources released the consultation paper, "Enhancing Australia's Decommissioning Framework". The paper is the third step in a reform process and follows a Discussion Paper published in October 2018, a process of consultation and stakeholder formal submissions into early 2019. Implementation of the framework is expected to occur in 2021. We have outlined the key components of the proposed Enhanced Framework. Read more

Our prediction: The legal landscape is shifting away from being a roadblock to investment and towards facilitating upward momentum in the development space. Read more

On 30 November 2020. the Western Australian Government released the long awaited ‘Western Australian Climate Policy: A plan to position Western Australian for a prosperous and resilient low-carbon future’. Read more

The NSW Government is seeking feedback on proposed amendments to State environmental planning policies relating to health services facilities, educational establishments and childcare facilities. Submissions will close on 17 December 2020. Read more

A strategic vision and proposed approach to infrastructure contributions for key precincts within the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Western Parkland City has been released. Public submissions on the exhibited documents will close on 18 December 2020. Read more

The NSW Court of Criminal Appeal has reaffirmed that prosecutors should not lay a single charge in respect of multiple offences, including environmental offences. Read more

The NSW Productivity Commission has released an issues paper on the NSW infrastructure contributions system and is currently seeking public submissions by 5 August 2020. Read more

The High Court is set to determine whether New Acland Coal’s application for an extension of the New Acland open-cut coal mine (Stage 3 Project) must be determined afresh as a result of bias on the part of the Land Court of Queensland. Read more