Queensland passes amendments to the Environmental Protection Act 1994

30 March, 2023
The Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (Qld) (EPOLA Bill) was passed yesterday. The EPOLA Bill amends the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) with wide ranging implications for Queensland operators, in particular for the resources sector. It also makes minor amendments to the Waste Reduction and recycling Act 2011 (Qld) and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993 (Qld). Read more

Public consultation open: Proposed offshore renewable energy infrastructure area off the NSW Hunter coast

24 February, 2023
The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water announced yesterday that it is seeking public feedback on the possible effects of renewable energy projects off the NSW Hunter coast. This announcement follows last year’s declaration of part of Bass Strait off Victoria’s Gippsland coast as Australia’s first offshore renewable energy infrastructure zone. Read more

New guideline released for large-scale solar projects

17 October, 2022
The NSW Government has released a revised Large-Scale Solar Energy Guideline (Guideline), which provides updated direction on the planning framework and assessment of State significant development (SSD) solar developments, including how the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) will assess impacts. Read more

Conservation and development outcomes to improve under NSW biodiversity reforms

30 August, 2022
The NSW Government has finalised the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan and announced the establishment of a Biodiversity Credits Supply Fund and Taskforce. These initiatives seek to simplify the biodiversity assessment process for parts of Western Sydney and fast track the acquisition of biodiversity credits throughout NSW while improving conservation outcomes. Read more

The election and the environment: what happens next?

23 May, 2022
The recent Australian Federal election has resulted in a change of government. While the government is settling in, our Environment, Planning and Communities partners set out their top 5 predictions for coming change on environmental matters, and where the priorities should lie. Read more

QLD Planning Minister adds 12 months to development approvals

04 May, 2022
On 29 April 2022, the Honourable Steven Miles MP (Planning Minister) gave notice under section 275R of the Planning Act 2016 (QLD) (Planning Act) and section 171N of the Economic Development Act 2012 (QLD) (ED Act) to extend the currency period of any current development approvals or PDA development approvals (DAs) by a period of … Read more