When planning major projects – like mines, gas fields, solar and wind farms – it's common to evaluate each project's individual environmental and social effects.

Cumulative impacts look at the combined effect of multiple projects over time and space. Ignoring these broader impacts can lead to significant, long-term harm to communities, ecosystems, and economies.

When we think about artificial intelligence or AI, we usually think about all the benefits and ways in which it helps us. What gets less attention is the environmental impact of AI.

Environmental Consultant Gemma van Hemert explores some of the key environmental impacts associated with the use of AI.

Working on a state significant development project? You probably know there are strict environmental regulations associated with the work, particular surrounding water quality and catchment management.

But here’s the (ahem) catch – not all management plans are equal. Our Environmental Consultant Holly Hanley explores the variations that you don’t want to overlook.

Navigating the requirements of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is crucial for approval holders to ensure their projects minimise environmental impact.  A key component of this is the Annual Compliance Report which serves as a record of how a project has adhered to the conditions set out in its approval.

The identification and implementation of mitigation is an essential part of the process of impact assessment and decision-making for projects. Often there are challenges in defining mitigation to be applied in future phases of a project, and there can be a disconnect between project teams involved in the approvals phase, and post-approvals phase of a project. 

This week, the Queensland Government introduced a more rigorous assessment process for wind farm developments, transitioning from a code assessable to impact assessable process. This marks a pivotal shift in the state’s approach to renewable energy projects.

Environmental Project Manager Priya Jolly explains what the changes mean for QLD wind farm projects.

When planning for a major development project, biodiversity impact assessments are a critical step towards a successful application. They help identify potential threats and ensure the right course of action is taken to protect our native species.

In Australia's dynamic landscape of environmental approvals, project due diligence is paramount. With evolving regulations in Commonwealth and State jurisdictions, being informed and proactive is essential for a project’s success.

By now, if you're working within Australia's environmental industry, you'll be familiar with the current Nature Positive reforms happening at a national level. Amidst the plethora of information, we’ve created a breakdown of where the reforms currently stand, what's next, and what it means for our clients.

Our Armidale team has been busy working on the development of an environmental impact assessment for a local quarry that plays a significant role in the supply of material for the growing New England Renewable Energy Zone.