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.

At Onward, we’re proud to have delivered Queensland’s very first progressive rehabilitation and closure plan (PRCP) schedule audit in 2024. It was a milestone not just for us, but for the state’s mining industry, which is navigating an evolving regulatory landscape that puts rehabilitation and closure front and centre.

Earlier this year, some of the Onward Consulting team completed the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Verifier Training Workshop, which means that we are now qualified TSM verifiers.