An update on the Nature Positive Plan - where are we up to, and what's next?
By now, if you're working within Australia's environmental industry, you'll be familiar with the current Nature Positive reforms happening at a federal level. Amidst the plethora of information, we wanted to share a breakdown of where the reforms currently stand, what's next, and what it means for our clients.
So, what's been completed so far?
The Nature Repair Act 2023 marked a pivotal step forward for the plan. And throughout 2024, efforts by the Clean Energy Regulator and the government have been focused on developing processes and systems, including establishing expert committees and consulting on legislation. The expanded water trigger initiative is also set to reinforce environmental efforts.
We're currently navigating stage two with the establishment of Environment Protection Australia (EPA), and Environment Information Australia (EIA). This stage includes legislative amendments to expedite environmental approval decisions and enhance regulatory powers.
What does this mean? The EPA will be a separate statutory Commonwealth entity with its own budget, and led by its own CEO and board of advisors. It will aim to streamline decision-making processes and improve transparency in environmental governance.
The EPA’s proposed regulatory functions will fall under seven environmental laws, which include
➡️ Making environmental assessments
➡️ Deciding project approval and conditions as a delegate for the Minister
➡️ Issuing permits and licences
➡️ Educating the public to help navigate environmental laws and approval pathways
➡️ Speeding up development decisions including project assessments
➡️ Enforcing the law through monitoring and enforcement powers
➡️ Regulatory activities under environmental law, including project assessments, recycling, hazardous waste, wildlife trafficking, sea dumping, ozone protection, underwater cultural heritage, and air quality.
While details are still taking shape, the EPA's emergence as an independent statutory authority by July 2025 marks a significant milestone. As we push through stage two, consultations are bound to inform stages two and three. From businesses to biodiversity groups, key voices within the industry matter in shaping the future landscape of environmental regulation. While uncertainties linger, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate this evolving terrain.
So, what's next? Now that stage two of the plan is in progress, the launch of Australia's first ever EPA is imminent. And with some pretty substantial shifts in the approvals process on the horizon, it’s important to consider your EPBC approvals.
Our auditing and compliance team is working closely with many of our clients to conduct EPBC audits, so we are well-versed in the complexities of this process, and we can ensure you stay one step ahead in the preparation for these reforms.
The EPA won’t get the powers proposed within this plan until legislation passes, so for now it’s business as usual. And while uncertainties may continue to raise questions throughout the staging of the Nature Positive reforms, we are here to help. We’re committed to staying across all updates relating to the roll out of these reforms.
What are your thoughts? Got a question? Reach out to us
