Australia needs to deliver renewable energy infrastructure at significant scale and pace. But for the people responsible for getting projects from concept to construction, the approvals pathway is becoming increasingly challenging.

The Clean Energy Council and Lockton’s inaugural Renewable Energy Risk and Insurance Index 2026 provides a clear snapshot of where industry is feeling that pressure.

Queensland’s planning framework is getting its biggest refresh in almost a decade.

The draft State Planning Policy 2026 is now open for consultation, with proposed changes relevant to resources, renewable energy, infrastructure and other major projects.

Among the changes:

• energy becomes a standalone State interest
• stronger protection is proposed for important resource areas
• greater emphasis is placed on coordinating growth with infrastructure
• State assessment benchmarks are proposed to move from the SPP into the Planning Regulation

NSW has changed the rules that determine when the Independent Planning Commission becomes the consent authority for state significant development, with significant implications for renewable energy, resources and standalone battery projects.

The changes are contained in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) Amendment (Independent Planning Commission) 2026, published on 18 August 2026. Some changes took effect immediately, with further changes commencing on 1 November 2026.

Last month the Legislative Council’s Portfolio Committee No. 4 - Regional NSW handed down its final report into the impact of renewable energy zones (REZ) on rural and regional communities and industries in NSW.  The inquiry contained specific findings related to social impact assessment (SIA) and recommended the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure review the SIA process so assessments are standardised, independently verified, and expanded. As a qualified and experienced SIA practitioner working across two REZs in NSW, we asked our Senior Social Planner Sonya Pascoe to share her views on the report.

Environmental consultant Emma Spires joined Onward three years ago as an intern while she completed her university degree in environmental science. At the time, she knew very little about the world of environmental consulting and wasn't quite sure what to expect from working in a company like Onward.

Looking back, one thing Emma wished she’d had before starting was an insider's perspective. She’s shared a few of the lessons she’s learned from her time at Onward.