Welcome to this week's issue

Sunday commenced NAIDOC Week in Australia, which runs until this Saturday 13 July. NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The 2025 theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy," marks 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.

As environmental practitioners who understand the deep connection between Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship, EIANZ encourages members to actively participate in and support local NAIDOC Week events in your area. Your attendance and engagement helps honour Indigenous voices and recognises the vital role of traditional knowledge in environmental practice and conservation. Can't make it to an in-person event? Listen to the new podcast series from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation.
Find your local NAIDOC Week event →
Learn more about NAIDOC Week →

We're excited to announce the release of the EIANZ 2025 Impact Assessment Symposium program. This year's event brings together practitioners, regulators and researchers to explore a critical question: how can impact assessment deliver better environmental and social outcomes? Join us as we shift the debate from process efficiency to outcome effectiveness and critically examine all that we do in impact assessment.
Learn more →

AGM season is soon to be upon us! EIANZ's Divisions and Chapters will be hosting their AGMs throughout July and August. EIANZ encourages members to join their local AGM and take advantage of the opportunity to contribute your thoughts and ideas. Your suggestions and comments will guide your local Division and Chapter's activities and focus for the year ahead.
Learn more about your local AGM →

The National Environmental Law Association (NELA) and Ngalaya are offering a $10,000 bursary exclusively for First Nations lawyers, legal academics, and law students to support their professional development in environmental law. Applications close July 31, 2025, and the funding covers conference attendance, fieldwork, and specialised training costs.
Learn more →

NELA has also announced that its 2025 Essay Competition is now open. This year's topic focuses on “cutting-edge issues in Australian environmental or climate law”. EIANZ encourages any student members studying environmental law, particularly those with a focus on climate change, to enter. In addition to a $500 prize, the winner will also receive a complimentary NELA membership.
Learn more →

Early bird registration for EIANZ's Annual Conference in Perth closes Monday, 21 July 2025. In an era where environmental challenges grow increasingly complex, no single practitioner can work in isolation. The 2025 EIANZ Annual Conference examines how meaningful collaboration across disciplines, communities, and landscapes is revolutionising our profession and enhancing our collective impact. 
Learn more →

The 47th World Heritage Committee (COM 47) session is taking place in Paris from July 6-16, where UNESCO will review new nominations including Australia's Murujuga Cultural Landscape in Western Australia. If approved, Murujuga would become only the second Australian site recognised solely for First Nations cultural heritage values, following Budj Bim in 2019. The committee will also assess other Australian sites including the Great Barrier Reef and consider updated naming for K'gari.
Learn more →

The Department of Climate Change, the Environment, Energy and Water (DCCEEW) is seeking public feedback by Friday 25 July 2025 on proposed changes to extend crediting periods for certain methane-reduction projects under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme's Animal Effluent Management method. The proposed variation would extend crediting periods from 12 to 15 years for flare projects and from 7 to 15 years for electricity-generating projects to better incentivise ongoing methane emission reductions.
Learn more →

This week, DCCEEW announced that the Australian Government is committing up to $432 million to Orica's Hunter Valley Hydrogen project through the Hydrogen Headstart program, which will build a new 50MW renewable hydrogen production plant near Kooragang Island. The project will create 160 construction jobs and 10 ongoing roles while producing around 4,700 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually to support Orica's ammonia manufacturing operations and around 250 existing jobs.
Read the media release →

The Department of Conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand has announced several significant conservation initiatives this week, including using microchip technology to track endangered fish species and securing $22 million in funding for native wildlife restoration programs targeting critically endangered birds. Additionally, DOC has approved a controversial quarry development near Fox Glacier within the World Heritage Area, stating it will support essential infrastructure whilst maintaining strict environmental protections. Read the stories here:
Tiny tags could reveal fish sex secrets →
$22 million to enhance wildlife visitor experiences →
South Westland quarry approved →
Revealed: the heritage icon earning concrete praise →

Of interest​​​​​

Australia

A top court has urged nations to clamp down on fossil fuel production. When will Australia finally start listening?
Learn more →

We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why
Learn more →

Traditional owners reopen Gunlom Falls in Kakadu after six-year closure
Learn more →

Behind the scenes of Australia's whale census; citizen scientists explain why they keep taking part
Learn more →

Tiny fungus farming beetle from WA could wreak havoc on Sydney’s heritage trees
Learn more →

SA's toxic algal bloom is unlikely to end soon so what are the consequences?
Learn more →

New Zealand

Environmentalists call for closure of Chatham Rise orange roughy fishery
Learn more →

Court quashes quarry’s water consent, with a sympathetic delay
Learn more →

Find out how we can protect our smallest insects
Learn more →

Plea for Govt intervention as three more hoiho killed by fishing boats
Learn more →

Key Wellington areas identified as vital to survival of native bird species
Learn more →

Looking for a more humane option: the professor with a possible alternative to 1080
Learn more →

Global

The Seine reopens: how the Olympic Games helped Paris reclaim its river
Learn more →

Texas officials race to find survivors after devastating floods
Learn more →

Switzerland’s Clean Water Transformation Creates Blueprint for Global River Restoration
Learn more →

Killer whales share food with humans to get to know us better
Learn more →

If you'd like to respond to any of the news, contact us at office@eianz.org to find out how we can assist.

Professional development

Upcoming EIANZ events

View all upcoming EIANZ events >

Upcoming AGMs

Upcoming partner events

Open for submission

If you'd like to contribute to an EIANZ submission, contact us at office@eianz.org to find out how.  

New

Animal Effluent Management method: 2025 variation | The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 25 July
Learn more →

Australian capabilities to support the Martian Moons eXploration mission: request for information | Department of Industry, Science and Resources | Closes 5 August
Learn more → 

Gas Market Review Consultation | The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 15 August
Learn more →

Aggregated Resources in the Capacity Investment Scheme Consultation | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 5 August 2025
Learn more →

National Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Roadmap - Redefine roles for market and power system operations – M3/P5 | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 20 August 2025
Learn more →

National Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Roadmap - Data Sharing Arrangements – M2 | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 20 August 2025
Learn more →

Source Separated Organic Waste method 2016: Sunsetting review | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 4 August 2025
Learn more →

Reforestation and Afforestation 2.0 method 2015: Sunsetting review | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 4 August 2025
Learn more →

Land and Sea Transport method 2015: Sunsetting review | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 4 August 2025
Learn more →

CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries– Agency application 2025 | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 6 August 2025
Learn more →

Still open

Position Statement on the vital role of Natural History Museums, Herbaria, and Scientific Collections in Biodiversity Conservation | IUCN SCC | Closes July 16 2025
Learn more →

Nine listing assessments prepared by Queensland through the Common Assessment Method – Acacia castorum (Peak Range wattle) and more | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | 17 July 2025
Learn more →

Guarantee of Origin cost recovery consultation | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 18 July
Learn more →

Exposure Drafts of the legislative instruments that will support the Guarantee of Origin (GO) scheme  | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 18 July
Learn more →

New assessment of the conservation status of reptiles in Aotearoa New Zealand | Department of Conservation | Closes 21 July 2025
Learn more →

Game Animal Council (Herds of Special Interest) Amendment Bill | Aotearoa New Zealand Parliament | Closes 24 July
Learn more →

Consultation on updating RMA national direction | Ministry for the Environment | Consultation for the first three packages close 27 July 2025.Consultation on package 4 to start in early June.
Learn more →

Aotearoa New Zealand’s Freshwater national direction |  Ministry for the Environment | Closes 27 July 2025
Learn more →

Preparation of a New Management Plan for Kakadu National Park | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 31 July
Learn more →

2025-26 National and Commonwealth heritage nominations round | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 29 August 2025
Learn more →

Offshore carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) under the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 12 September 2025
Learn more →

Aotearoa New Zealand’s World Heritage Tentative List | Ministry for the Environment | Closes 30 January 2026
Learn more →

Jobs board

Explore the newest opportunities advertised on our Jobs Board

View all jobs  >

In case you missed it

Last week, EIANZ was saddened to notify members of the passing of Rod Welford (FEIANZ). Rod demonstrated exceptional and sustained leadership within the Institute, the environment profession and government across Australia for more than twenty-five years. He was a thought leader who actively championed environmental practitioners and the industry, contributing broadly to environmental policy and practice.

The Institute considers our time with Rod to be a great privilege and we are grateful to have worked so closely with him. Our deepest sympathies are with his loved ones.
Read the full tribute to Rod here →

The NSW Courts Tribunals and Service Delivery Division is seeking applications from qualified persons for remunerated appointment as:

• Commissioners of the Land and Environment Court of NSW
• Acting Commissioners of the Land and Environment Court of NSW

Applicants must possess specialised qualifications in one of a range of fields including environmental planning, environmental science, environmental assessment, heritage, engineering and local government administration. Selected appointees will determine court cases through conciliation or hearings, must comply with conflict of interest provisions, and preferably should have or be willing to obtain mediation accreditation.
Learn more →

Last week, Minister Tanya Plibersek responded to EIANZ's recent correspondence thanking her for her work as Minister for the Environment and Water from 2022-2025, and for speaking at several EIANZ conferences. In her personal response, Minister Pilbersek asked us to let you know that she found it a pleasure working with our members on so many important achievements. This is a testament to our membership's credibility, respected status and the value they bring to the environmental sector. Thank you to all members who contributed to policy during the Minister’s tenure.
Learn more about Minister Pilbersek here →

EIANZ's New Zealand Chapter is seeking new volunteer members to join our Student and Early Careers (SEC) Committee.The Chapter is seeking EIANZ student members and early-career professionals based anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand and are keen for more representation outside of Auckland. While volunteers from all environmental fields are welcome, the Chapter is eager to welcome members in land contamination, climate change and sustainability practices.

To express your interest, please email the SEC Chair, Amanda Good, with the following details:

• What you study or do as an early-career professional
• Where you're based in NZ
• Why you are interested in joining the committee

The New Zealand Chapter would love to hear from you!
Learn more about NZ Chapter Committees →

The Department of Climate Change, the Environment, Energy and Water (DCCEEW) has released documents regarding Australia developing offshore carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) to reduce emissions from hard-to-abate industries by storing carbon dioxide underground beneath the seabed. The government has released three draft guidance documents under the Sea Dumping Act to regulate and protect marine environments during offshore carbon storage operations. Public consultation on these new guidelines is open from June 27 to September 12, 2025.
Learn more →

Aotearoa New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) has released a reminder that NZ residents need permits for possession of protected marine mammal parts, after a buyer purchased whale baleen on Trade Me. It is an offence to possess marine mammal parts without a permit or an exemption letter from DOC.
Learn more → 

The Annual New Zealand Garden Bird Survey started Sunday 6 July and ends this Saturday, 13 July. The survey started in 2007 to monitor long-term trends in common garden bird populations, with participants recording the highest number of each species they observe to build a picture of New Zealand's bird populations and environmental health. Participants are encouraged to get outside to look at and listen for birds for one hour, on one day, and record the highest number of each species they notice during the survey period.
Learn more →

NAIDOC Week started Sunday, 6 July and ends this Saturday, 13 July. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The 2025 theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy," marks 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.

As environmental practitioners who understand the deep connection between Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship, EIANZ encourages members to actively participate in and support local NAIDOC Week events in your area. Your attendance and engagement helps honour Indigenous voices and recognises the vital role of traditional knowledge in environmental practice and conservation. Can't make it to an in person event? Listen to the new podcast series from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation.
Find your local NAIDOC Week event →
Learn more about NAIDOC Week →

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