A draft bill to amend the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA) was released yesterday for public consultation. The draft bill reflects a wholesale review of the Act and proposes the most significant amendments since it was enacted. All land users in WA whose current and future activities are regulated by the Act should closely follow these reforms. Read more

Developments have recently occurred in the Geraldton and South West native title settlements. In-principle agreement has been reached for the Geraldton settlement, while a further hearing in the judicial review proceedings relating to the South West settlement has been listed for November 2019. Land users with interests in these regions should follow the progress of the settlements. 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

Consultation closes this Friday, 20 September on the draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy of the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). The policy is expected to guide DWER’s actions in relation to compliance and enforcement for environmental and water-related regulation. The policy will also assist industry in engaging with DWER on such matters and understanding DWER’s approach and the likely consequences of non-compliances. Read more

The WA Supreme Court of Appeal this week rejected the appeal by the Conservation Council of WA Inc. against dismissal of its judicial review application on the Part IV Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA) approval of the Yeelirrie uranium mine project proposal. Read more

Rehabilitation of mine is increasingly a focus of regulator attention as well as changing community expectations. Read more