Field tripping in the Torres Strait

Environmental Project Manager Sabrina Newton and Principal – Environmental Management Callum Gawne travelled to the Torres Strait recently to carry out preliminary inspections in support of future environmental approvals for a potential minerals project.

More data doesn’t fix community concern. In fact, it can often make it worse.

In many projects across QLD and NSW, the instinctive response to community resistance is to provide more information. We release more studies, more technical detail, more reports. On paper, this makes sense. If people are concerned, surely better data will resolve the issue.

Queensland’s renewable energy landscape is changing and battery storage has also now entered a new phase of regulatory scrutiny. In December 2025, the Queensland Government introduced significant planning reforms that bring large-scale BESS projects into the same assessment framework already applied to wind and solar farms.

These reforms follow on from earlier changes in 2025 that made solar and wind developments impact assessable and required developers to complete social impact assessments and community benefit agreements before applications could proceed

Some of the key reforms to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) have now commenced, providing important clarity for proponents and consent authorities in NSW. Environmental Project Manager Liberty Pannowitz unpacks what’s changed so far, and the savings and transitional periods you need to be aware of.

2025 was a year of transition for environmental consulting in Australia – one that reshaped how proponents approach major projects.

Once a project secures its approvals, it can feel like the hard work is done. But in reality, this is where the real test begins. Post-approvals environmental management plans (EMPs) are the bridge between what a project proposes on paper and what it delivers on the ground. They take commitments, conditions and predicted impacts and turn them into day-to-day operational instructions that keep environmental risks in check and stakeholders confident.

When a major project completes its social impact assessment (SIA), it can be tempting to see that as the finish line. But it’s only the start of meaningful social performance. Our Principal Engagement and Social Planning Alysia Bradshaw explains.

The NSW Government last month announced the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025 which would see a raft of changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the EP&A Act).

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025 is due to be debated in NSW Parliament this month.

Environmental Project Manager Patric Illingworth explains some of the key changes proposed to the EP&A Act relevant to the assessment and approval of resourcing, energy and infrastructure projects below.

The federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, announced proposed reforms this week to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Driven by ambitious climate goals and unfavourable delays in the current approval system, the government plans to introduce ‘go’ and ‘no-go’ zones, which will identify areas where projects can proceed without extensive applications, and areas where development cannot occur under any circumstances. Environmental Consultant Holly Hanley explains what the reforms may mean for developers and projects.

The Victorian government has introduced sweeping reforms to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 that will significantly impact how major projects are approved and how quickly.

Environmental assessment is a key part of the scope for delivery of any development and is required by both state and Commonwealth legislation. The integration of environmental assessment and project delivery is critical to its success, however, it can be overlooked or not adequately considered.

The race to roll out renewable energy in NSW is reshaping regional communities but many residents and councils in renewable energy zones (REZ) are reaching breaking point. These projects promise cleaner power, new jobs, and regional investment. Yet, for those living within REZs, the constant stream of consultation has become overwhelming. Principal Engagement and Social Planning Alysia Bradshaw explains.