5-Minute Guide to Environment and Sustainable Development: Key Insights for a Greener Future

Climate Change: Australia’s New Policy Package
On September 18, 2025, the Australian Government announced a major climate policy. The new plan targets a 62-70% reduction in emissions by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. This includes a comprehensive Net Zero Plan with six supporting sectoral plans. Earlier that week, Australia released its first National Climate Risk Assessment and National Adaptation Plan. Together, these documents outline the physical risks of climate change up to 2050 and how the government plans to adapt. They highlight challenges faced by energy, transport, and water security, revealing how climate change increasingly threatens these critical sectors.

Commonwealth: Climate-Related Transition Plans
On August 15, Treasury released a consultation paper to guide climate-related transition plans as part of its Sustainable Finance Roadmap. These plans help organizations identify climate risks. The consultation period ended on September 24, but the paper suggests that Treasury aims to align closely with international reporting standards. For entities with existing transition plans, adhering to this guidance will be crucial for effective compliance with sustainability reporting requirements.

Energy: Changes in Queensland
The Queensland Government recently repealed the Forest Wind Farm Development Act 2020, canceling the 266-turbine Forest Wind Project. The Act had streamlined the project’s approval process. This repeal indicates a shift toward balancing renewable energy development with community input and environmental concerns. In light of new regulatory changes, community engagement in renewable projects will be key, potentially extending approval timelines for future proposals.

Major Projects in WA
Western Australia has introduced the State Development Bill 2025, designed to speed up the approval process for significant projects. The bill gives authority to designate Priority Projects and State Development Areas (SDAs) while formalizing the Coordinator General’s role in project coordination. This will likely lead to faster decisions and a clearer investment climate for large-scale projects.

The WA Government is also modernizing mining regulations via the Mining Amendment Act 2022, which streamlines approval for low-risk activities. Mining companies should evaluate whether their operations fit into this new streamlined process to ensure compliance with updated requirements.

Environmental Protection Updates
The Commonwealth is fast-tracking reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). By introducing new legislation before year-end, the government aims to bolster environmental protection and streamline project assessments. This move may affect various industries; staying informed about these changes will be vital for potentially impacted businesses.

NSW Planning Reforms
The NSW Government has rolled out significant changes to its planning system under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Bill 2025. The goal is to boost housing development and job creation. Key aspects include the formation of the Development Coordination Authority for streamlined advice on development applications and new “targeted assessment pathways” for quicker approvals. These reforms reflect the government’s commitment to affordable housing, and stakeholders should assess how these changes might affect ongoing and future projects.

Experts suggest that these changes signal a growing understanding of the importance of balancing development and community needs. As we move toward a future impacted by climate change, the collaboration between governments, industries, and communities will be crucial in shaping sustainable outcomes.

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