New South Wales – Hazardous materials – PFAS Chemical Control Order commencement date announced
The NSW EPA has announced that the new Landfill and Sewage Treatment Plant PFAS Monitoring Chemical Control Order will commence 1 October 2026. All licensed landfills and sewage treatment plants in NSW will be required to monitor for and report PFAS in wastewater from that time.
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.
Read the latest statement from the Queensland Government here.
Australia – Land – Bilateral agreement for forest management in development
The Australian Government has announced they are working with the Tasmanian Government to develop a bilateral agreement that will accredit Tasmania’s forest management framework alongside new environmental standards. From 1 July 2027, forestry operations covered by Regional Forest Agreements will be under Federal environmental regulation following reforms to Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The reforms removed exemptions to the EPBC Act for RFA forestry operations.
Read the joint media release from the Minister for the Environment and water here.