Environment Bulletin - January 2026
Australia – Regulation Bills to reform environment protection legislation passed
The Australian Government has passed the package of proposed reforms to Australia’s environmental legislation. Parts of the amendments will take effect immediately, while other parts will be phased in to allow further consultation and planning.
Read the Minister for the Environment and Water’s media release here
View the Environment protection reforms webpage here.
Western Australia – Energy use – Draft code for renewable energy planning announced – Open for comment until 10 Apr
The Western Australian Planning Commission has released the Draft Renewable Energy Planning Code and Guidelines and is seeking feedback. The Draft aims to guide the development of energy infrastructure in WA, starting with wind farms, and proposes consistent development standards and application requirements for renewable energy projects. Comments close 10 April 2026.
Find our more information here.
Queensland – Agriculture – Regulated reef standards review report released
The QLD Government has published the findings of the statutory review of the regulated reef standards for commercial banana and sugarcane cultivation, and beef cattle grazing. The findings recommend that changes be made to improve the standards and better support its implementation, with Government consideration and further consultation to be undertaken prior to any changes being made.