Environmental Bulletin – September 2021

NSW – Draft planning regulations released

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has released a Draft Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 and supporting materials for public consultation. The draft remakes the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 which is due to be repealed on 1 March 2022, and proposes to simplify the planning system, and reduce assessment timeframes, among other changes. Comments close 22 September 2021.

See the NSW Government’s planning portal for more information.

VIC – New Petroleum Regulations proposed

The VIC Government has released draft Petroleum Regulations for public and industry feedback. The proposed changes are intended to improve onshore gas development transparency and community engagement requirements, as well as strengthen requirements relating to operation plans, rehabilitation, and decommissioning. An accompanying Regulatory Impact Statement and draft Code of Practice for the Construction, Operation and Decommissioning of Petroleum Wells in Victoria have also been released.

Australia – Amendments to industrial chemicals rules proposed

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme has proposed amendments to the industrial chemicals General Rules and Transitional Rules, with a consultation paper and exposure draft available for public feedback. The amendments will address various minor operational issues that have been identified after the first year of operation of the AICIS.

Comments close 17 September 2021.

See the Department of Health’s consultation page for more information