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

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 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

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

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has consolidated 45 State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) and deemed SEPPs into 11 new environmental planning instruments. Read more

Directors and related bodies corporate that benefit from environmental offences committed by a corporation are subject to new liabilities and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) now has stronger enforcement powers. Due to the changes, environmental compliance and risk management practices should be reviewed and updated as required to minimise risks for corporations, their directors … Read more

A further development in the multi-round match between the NSW EPA, a waste company and the resource recovery exemption regime: the EPA has appealed for a second time. The Land and Environment Court criticised the EPA and its waste regime in the long-running Grafil prosecution. Subsequently, the Government has announced a review of the regime … Read more

The NSW Government has published a report in response to submissions received on the previously exhibited Western Sydney Aerotropolis Planning Package. A package of other accompanying documents is also on public exhibition. You can have your say by 5 November 2021. Read more