Environment Bulletin - September 2025
New South Wales – New Bill to strengthen environmental protection introduced
The NSW Government has introduced the Environmental Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 into Parliament to strengthen environmental protections. The Bill will include adding obligatory perspectives and knowledge of Aboriginal peoples to environmental reporting, further definition of ‘material harm to the environment’ and ‘hazardous waste’, and an increase in various penalties, among other things.
Western Australia – Amendments to clarify miscellaneous licence exemptions proposed
The West Australian Government has announced that amendments to the Local Government Act 1995 will be introduced to Parliament. The changes would provide certainty to WA’s local governments and the mining industry by clarifying that land held under a miscellaneous licence which is typically used for supporting infrastructure for mining activities, is exempt from local government rates.
Read more from the West Australia Government here.
Queensland – Feedback sought on proposed amendments to protected areas estate
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation is proposing to repeal the Nature Conservation (Forest Reserves) Regulation 2000 and is inviting feedback on its proposed amendments to the forestry and protected area estate. The changes are due to the upcoming expiry of Part 4A Forest Reserves of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 on 31 December 2025. Comments close 16 September 2025.
Read more from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation here.