Environment Bulletin - November 2024
South Australia – Bill to amend Native Vegetation Act introduced
The SA Government has introduced a Bill to Parliament that proposes improvements to the Native Vegetation Act 1991 (see previous Bulletin here). The proposed amendments would clarify and streamline assessment and compliance processes, provide consistent and fit-for-purpose clearance requirements, align assessment provisions for Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 referrals, allow the use of the Native Vegetation Fund for additional conservation purposes, introduce additional compliance actions for unauthorised clearance of native vegetation, and increase fees and penalties.
Read more from Parliament South Australia here.
Tasmania – Draft Bill for new Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Protection Act to be released
The TAS Government has announced that it will release a Draft Exposure Bill for the new Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Protection Act. The Aboriginal Heritage Register will also be improved, with the updated Register expected to become operational in the first half of 2025.
Read more from Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania here.
Legislation to reform environmental approvals system passed
The WA Government has passed and assented legislation that will streamline the states environmental approvals system through amendments to the Environmental Protection Act 1986. Commencement is yet to be proclaimed for the parallel decision-making process for environmental approvals which will enable other regulators to issue their own approvals while the EPAs assessment is underway. The changes will also remove the right to appeal the EPAs decision not to assess, among other things.