This environmental bulletin provides information about selected Australian national and state legislation, and New Zealand national legislation, that is upcoming and under review. It also offers information
on draft publications and a
selection of recent fines and prosecutions.
This bulletin has been collated by Environment Essentials
from selected Australian and New Zealand government and other websites.
It is published every two months - it is therefore recommended that you do not rely solely on it for upcoming information.
Exclusions.
Australia – Product stewardship – National product stewardship consultation paper released – Open for comment until 10 Dec
The Product Stewardship Legislation Consultation Paper has been released for comment. The purpose of the paper is to provide information on the design of the National Product Stewardship Legislation as the basis for consultation with stakeholders. Comments close 10 December 2010. More.
Australia – Renewable energy – Draft Renewable Energy Target Regulations released – Closed for comment
Legislation has been passed to separate the Renewable Energy Target (RET) into the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target and the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. The Government has released draft regulations that needed to be made as a consequence of the amendments, as well as a commentary paper to explain the technical detail of the draft regulations. Comments have closed. More.
Australia – Site contamination – Draft National Environment Protection Measure released – Closed for comment
The Assessment of Site Contamination National Environment Protection Measure has been re-drafted and released for public comment.
The major changes include:
- new and improved methodologies for deriving Ecological Investigation Levels and Health Investigation Levels
- incorporation of Health Screening Levels and Ecological Screening Levels for petroleum hydrocarbons
- incorporation of guidance for assessing asbestos impacts
- incorporation of guidance on stockpile sampling, contaminant leachability and bioavailability
- incorporation of guidance for assessment of volatile substances.
Comments have closed. More.
ACT – Environment protection authorisations – Yearly review to be replaced by less frequent, risk based-review periods
The Government is proposing to amend section 57 of the Environment Protection Act 1997 by substituting annual reviews of environmental authorisations with a more flexible, risk-based period for review, of up five years. More.
ACT – Planning – Changes to thresholds triggering EISs proposed
The Government is proposing changes to the Planning and Development Act. Changes will apply to the activities and thresholds that require an environmental impact statement for applications for planning approval. More.
NSW – Biodiversity - Threatened species legislation under review
The Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 is being reviewed, as required by the legislation. More.
NSW – Buildings - Funding mechanism for building energy efficiency upgrades proposed
The Government has introduced a Bill that will help urban councils secure more attractive finance terms for environmental retrofits. Councils with large stocks of commercial or multi-unit residential buildings will be able to enter into agreements with property owners and lenders. View Bill.
NSW – Environmental monitoring – New laws pass Parliament
The Parliament has passed reforms relating to environmental monitoring where a cluster of industries are causing cumulative impacts. The Protection of the Environment (Environmental Monitoring) Amendment Act 2010 includes giving the EPA (DECCW) the power to levy the holders of environment protection licences. The EPA (DECCW) has not yet published information about the amendment, but the second reading speech provides background information. View second reading.
NSW – Mining – New mining legislation commences
Changes to the Mining Amendment Act 2008 are being progressively commenced. Those relating to title holdings and exploration reporting commenced on 15 November 2010. The Mining Regulation 2010 also commenced on that date. Other provisions of the Act, including in relation to environmental management, are expected to commence in 2011. View provisions that commenced 15 November 2010. View general reforms.
NSW – Radiation – Parliament passes laws for tighter security of radioactive sources
The Radiation Control Amendment Act 2010, which aims to strengthen security of radioactive sources, has passed Parliament. Most of its provisions have yet to commence. The EPA (DEECW) has not yet published information about the amendment, but the second reading speech provides background information. View second reading.
NSW – Water – Changes to governance and water trading proposed
The Government has introduced the Water Management Amendment Bill 2010 to Parliament. The Bill includes changes to governance structures and additional provisions in relation to water trading. View second reading.
VIC – Petroleum – Regulatory Impact Statement for new regulations prepared – Closed for comment
The Petroleum Regulations 2011 are to be made under the Petroleum Act 1998. The primary objectives of the proposed Regulations are to eliminate and minimise, as far as practicable, risks to the environment, public health and safety associated with petroleum operations. Comments have closed. More – click here and go to page 2293 of this gazette .
WA - Waste - New obligations and powers for waste dumping commence
Changes to the Environmental Protection Act 1986 will prevent people from dumping waste. Inspectors can now stop and search vehicles. Changes commenced 26 Nov 2010 and will be included in the November EnviroLaw update. View Bill.
