Environmental Bulletin - July 2026
Queensland – Environment – Bill to streamline and modernise environmental regulation passed
Parts of the Environmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026 commenced on 16 June 2026, with the remainder to commence via proclamation. The un-commenced provisions will implement structural changes by replacing the requirement for environmental authorities with regulatory codes for certain lower-risk activities, and introducing significant environmental values to support the risk-based regulatory approach, among other things. These changes will be supported by further consultation and complementary regulatory amendments.
Click here to view the environmental policy and legislation changes here.
New South Wales – Biodiversity – Biodiversity Offset Scheme reform proposed – Open for comment until 17 Jul
The NSW Government is proposing changes to the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 and has released the Draft Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Biodiversity Offsets Scheme) Regulation 2026 for feedback. The proposed amendments aim to reform the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme through retirement of biodiversity credits and changes to assessment report content, among other things.
Comments close 17 July 2026.
Australia – Regulation – Development of further National Environmental Standards underway – Open for comment until 7 Jul
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is proposing two further National Environmental Standards as part of reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Feedback is sought on two draft standards for Community Engagement, and Data and Information.
Comments close 7 July 2026.