Welcome to this week's issue!

This week, EIANZ announced its new partnership with the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA). This partnership will connect Institute members with IAIA's globally renowned network, spanning over 100 nations and representing a wide variety of disciplines and professions within the Impact Assessment specialisation. 

“Collaboration in environmental practice has never been more important. While EIANZ and IAIA each have essential roles to play in promoting best practice throughout our spheres of influence, there are also many opportunities on a global scale to combine our resources for a stronger voice and stronger support for our members. 

We’re thrilled to be working with IAIA on common goals to benefit members and the environment profession, and to jointly promote a sustainable future.” – EIANZ President, Vicki Brady

EIANZ and IAIA share a commitment to bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers for informed environmental decision-making. The partnership creates a formal framework for joint advocacy, guideline development, and professional training initiatives. As part of this reciporical arrangement, EIANZ members will receive discounted rates on select IAIA events.

The announcement comes one month ahead of the popular EIANZ Impact Assessment Symposium to be held in Sydney.
Learn more about EIANZ's partnership with IAIA →
Learn more abou the 2025 EIANZ Impact Assessment Symposium →

EIANZ's New Zealand Chapter recently submitted three packages on the Resource Management Act (RMA) reform to the Ministry for the Environment. The reform packages cover three key areas under the RMA:

• Infrastructure and urban development changes affecting planning, housing, transport and growth strategies.
• Primary sector reforms in agriculture, forestry, and rural land use, aiming to balance productivity with environmental outcomes for land managers and planners.
• Freshwater management reforms regarding allocation, quality standards, and ecosystem health with implications for environmental practitioners.

Thank you to New Zealand Chapter President, Connor Whiteley and to all who contributed to the RMA submission working groups that helped develop the submission packages. 
Read Submission 1 – Infrastructure and development  →
Read Submission 2 – Primary sector →
Read Submission 3 – Freshwater Policy →

Following the publication of the 2025 Sustainable Rivers Audit (2025 SRA) and the 2025 Basin Evaluation Plan, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is holding a free webinar on 12 August to provide the latest updates on progress in implementing the Basin Plan. 

The Murray–Darling Basin is Australia's largest river system, spanning one million square kilometres across five states and territories. The 2012 Basin Plan was created to restore the system's health after decline from droughts and increased human use. It manages water through consumption limits, environmental allocations, and quality monitoring to ensure sustainability while supporting agriculture and communities. The Plan uses adaptive management to respond flexibly to climate change and includes water trading and compliance monitoring.
Learn more about implementing the Murray-Darling Basin Plan →
Register for DCCEEW's Basin Plan Implementation Update Webinar →
Further reading: The Murray–Darling Basin Plan Evaluation is out. The next step is to fix the land, not just the flows →

Djaara (the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) have signed a 3-year partnership with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder to lead environmental water management on Central Victorian rivers including the Campaspe, Loddon and Coliban.

The agreement empowers Djaara to make water delivery decisions on their Country by combining Traditional Ecological Knowledge with Western science, after being excluded from water management since colonisation. This is the second formal agreement under the CEWH's First Nations Partnership Program, strengthening relationships with First Nations people to provide leadership in environmental watering.
Learn more about the partnership →

The Australian government is investing $2.25 million to protect wetlands across Australia and the Pacific, funding initiatives including a new CSIRO Ramsar Wetlands Hub, an expanded National Wetlands Inventory, and updated waterbird population data.

The funding supports conservation efforts through improved monitoring, data collection and scientific guidance to help focus protection where it's most needed. The package also extends Pacific youth engagement programs including continuing EIANZ partner organisation, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program's (SPREP) youth wetlands coordinator role to involve more young people in wetland protection.
Learn more about the wetlands funding boost →

The Australian government has also announced $15.6 million in new funding for Reef protection, including $12.6 million to expand the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers Program and $3 million for the People and Land Connections Program.

The Indigenous Rangers funding will support habitat restoration, pest management, shoreline clean-ups, biodiversity monitoring, compliance activities and tourist education through competitive grants managed by Queensland. The People and Land Connections funding will help CSIRO research human impacts on land management to ensure future Reef programs are better targeted for long-term protection.
Learn more about the funding to protect and manage the Great Barrier Reef→

The Australian Heritage Council (AHC) is assessing whether the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade route should be added to the National Heritage List, Australia's highest heritage honour. The route has potential national significance due to its rich history dating back to the first parade and protests in 1978, which established an enduring celebration of queer community and culture.

The public can currently have their say on the site's potential heritage values through submissions to the AHC. After considering public input, the AHC will advise the Minister, who will make the final decision on whether to include the route on the National Heritage List.
Learn more about the Mardi Gras Parade route →
Learn more about the National Heritage List consultation →

This week, the Department of Conservation (DOC) Te Papa Atewhai shared several news stories about environmental developments in Aotearoa New Zealand, including a $17.5 million investment into strengthening sustainable tourism and killing weeds and wildings for economic growth.
Learn more via the stories below:
Heritage tourism boost to support local economies →
Strengthening sustainable tourism at iconic sites →
Killing weeds and wildings for economic growth →
Changes ahead for Te Anau Bird Sanctuary →
Mautohe Cathedral Cove to close as weather system nears →

Of interest​​​​​

Australia

UN climate chief tells Australia to ‘go big’ with its 2035 emissions reduction target
Learn more →

Trial to remove shark nets from three Sydney and Central Coast beaches a good first step, scientists say
Learn more →

The giant cuttlefish’s technicolour mating display is globally unique. The SA algal bloom could kill them all
Learn more →

We used tiny sensors in backpacks to discover the extraordinary ways birds migrate to find water
Learn more →

Long-lost photos of extinct butterfly bandicoot found in museum storeroom
Learn more →

Supersized stick insect discovered in high-altitude trees in Australia
Learn more →

New Zealand

Councillors to vote on new agreement of Lake Taupō and the Upper Waikato River with local iwi
Learn more →

World’s highest court sends shot across bow of NZ’s climate policy
Learn more →

Rotorua district and regional councils at loggerheads over Ohau channel
Learn more →

The carbon market is on course to collapse in the 2030s
Learn more →

Marine reserve's 25-year review: 'When things aren't fished the place changes'
Learn more →

Global

Magnitude-8.8 earthquake strikes off Russia's east coast, sparking tsunami warnings across the Pacific
Learn more →

Trump's EPA now says greenhouse gases don't endanger people
Learn more →

The 12-Year-Old Reimagining Tornado Safety—And What It Says About the Future of Environmental Leadership
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

Application for a lease, licence, easement concession at Ruapara Bay | Department of Conservation | Closes 22 August
Learn more →

Algal blooms in South Australia | Parliament of Australia: Environment and Communications References Committee | Closes 28 October
Learn more →

Select Committee on PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) | Parliament of Australia: Select Committee on PFAS  | Closes  19 November
Learn more →

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade Route National Heritage Assessment | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 2 September
Learn more →

Opportunities for the development of a hemp industry in Australia | Parliament of Australia: Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee | Closes 30 July 2026
Learn more →

Still open

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

Application for a Marine Mammal Permit by Christchurch City Council | Department of Conservation | Closes 5 August
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 →

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

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

Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Resource Management and Administration ) Regulations 2011 remake: exposure draft | Department of Industry, Sciences and Resources | Closes 8 August
Learn more →

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

Application for a Marine Mammal Permit by Eventes Event Management Limited | Department of Conservation | Closes  18 August
Learn more →

Australasian Catchment Water Improvement Standard (ACWIS) Consultation | EcoMarkets Australia | Closes 18 August
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 →

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 →

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

Sustainable investment product labels | The Australian Treasury | Closes 29 August
Learn more →

Proposal to approve a reduction in the width of a marginal strip adjoining Opanuku Stream | Department of Conservation | Closes 5 September
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

EIANZ's 2025 Annual Conference program is now available! Don't miss this essential industry event that will help shape how you approach environmental challenges through collaboration. Secure your place today and be part of defining the future of environmental practice in Australia and New Zealand.

What’s included:

• Two days of cutting-edge content about collaboration across disciplines
• Field trip to Rottnest Island or Kings Park, Perth
• Gala awards night and networking events
• Essential connections for real-world impact

Modern environmental management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Join Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand's leading environmental practitioners to explore how collaboration is transforming our profession.
Read the program here →
Register here → 

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has delivered a historic advisory opinion stating that climate change represents an existential planetary threat. Originating from a campaign by Vanuatu law students, the opinion holds that nation states have legal obligations to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions and must limit warming to 1.5°C under international law, applying a stringent assessment standard based on historical emissions and development levels. The opinion also outlined potential consequences for failure to meet these obligations, including the potential for reparations to injured nation states.

The opinion opens the door for climate-affected nations to pursue legal action against countries which they believe are not taking enough action to reduce emissions, even when those countries have not signed, or have withdrawn from, climate treaties. This creates significant implications for Australia's 2035 emissions targets and adds pressure on Australia to align with strengthened international obligations.

However, the ruling contrasts with last week's decision by the Federal Court of Australia in the Torres Strait case, previously covered in our newsletter. While the court in that case categorically accepted scientific evidence that the Torres Strait Islands face absolute inundation threats within 25-30 years, and acknowledged the Australian Government's potential to influence climate impacts through policy changes, it ultimately found that the Government did not have a legal duty of care to all Torres Strait Islanders to protect them, their way of life, and the environment from growing harm and destruction arising from climate change.

The Court's decision in the Torres Strait case is broadly consistent with the Federal Court's 2022 decision in the Sharma case. The court in the Torres Strait case acknowledged that the "current law provides no real or effective legal avenue" for claiming damages or other remedies for harm suffered as a result of government policies on climate change.

The ICJ opinion is not legally binding and carries little legal weight in Australia, while the Federal Court decisions are legally binding.  Nevertheless, climate change litigation is an emerging and developing area of the law, and the ICJ opinion may signal a shift towards recognising government liability for climate change related decisions.

Thank you to Nick Thomas FEIANZ of Clayton Utz for editing this story.
Learn more  → Historic ruling finds climate change ‘imperils all forms of life’ and puts laggard nations on notice
Related news → Torres Strait community leaders in ‘deepest pain imaginable’ as federal court dismisses landmark climate case 

EIANZ has submitted a comprehensive economic case to the Commonwealth Treasury’s  Economic Reform Roundtable, arguing that environmental investments are strategic economic opportunities rather than costs. The submission demonstrates how environmental reforms directly address all three Roundtable priorities:

• Improving productivity through streamlined approvals and professional certification schemes,
• Building economic resilience through ecological restoration and reduced dependency on carbon-intensive exports, and
• Strengthening budget sustainability through quantifiable returns from disaster prevention and healthcare savings.

President Vicki Brady: “It’s great to see the Institute consistently coming together to produce constructive advice to government that is informed, responsible and positive about how we can deliver solutions that benefit both our environment and the economy.”

Thanks to Neil Marshman FEIANZ for his work on the submission, and to Dr Mark Breitfuss FEIANZ CEnvP, Lachlan Wilkinson FEIANZ CEnvP and Carolyn Cameron MEIANZ for their review.
Read the Economic Reform Roundtable Submission here →

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has refined the Social Impact Assessment Guideline and is hosting a free webinar to discuss the changes.

This webinar will include changes for housing projects, post-approval processes, and more proportionate assessment methods. It's designed for SIA practitioners, community members, environmental planners, and REAPs, with speakers Anne Mithieux and Steve Saville presenting the refinements.
Register here →

The CSIRO has launched a world-first tool called Genome Tracker that reveals only two per cent of Australia's 250,000-plus known species have had their genomes sequenced. The online dashboard, part of the Australian Reference Genome Atlas, helps researchers identify which species are under-represented in genomic research and prioritise future sequencing efforts to better understand how Australian species have adapted and evolved.

The genomic data will be crucial for conservation efforts, allowing scientists to monitor species, predict future adaptations, and protect biodiversity as ecosystems change.
Learn more →

The CSIRO is inviting Queensland small-to-medium enterprises in agriculture, food and related technologies to apply for its Innovate to Innovate to Grow program, which helps businesses develop research strategies with support from experienced researchers and industry mentors.

The program, funded by the Queensland Government's Regional University Industry Collaboration initiative, provides a pathway from concept to commercialisation with access to regional university researchers and matched R&D support. Recent participants have found the program valuable for refining business problems and exploring research and development opportunities to bring innovative ideas to market.
Learn more →

The Murray Darling Basin Authority has published two important reports this month, the 2025 Sustainable Rivers Audit (2025 SRA) and its 2025 Basin Plan Evaluation. The 2025 SRA  examines the current environmental, Cultural, social and economic conditions of the Murray–Darling Basin (the Basin) and how these have changed over time. These nationally significant documents and will contribute to the continued review of the Murray Darling Basin Management Plan.

The Basin's environment has improved since the Millennium drought with better river flows, but native fish remain in poor shape while introduced species dominate. First Nations water rights stay poorly recognised despite community wellbeing being generally high, their connection to Country is severely impacted by the degraded health of Water Country across the Basin.
Read the summary of the 2025 Sustainable Rivers Audit →

The He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission has released the 2025 emissions reduction monitoring report for Aotearoa New Zealand. While Aotearoa New Zealand is on track to meet its first emissions target, current policies won't be enough to achieve future climate goals without urgent action. The Climate Change Commission recommends the government strengthen its emissions trading scheme and introduce new policies for renewable energy, transport and agriculture before 2029. Early action is needed now to avoid more costly and disruptive measures later whilst giving businesses certainty for low-emissions investments.

Last year, EIANZ's Climate Change Special Interest Section (CC SIS) provided a submission detailing Aotearoa New Zealand's strategic opportunity to strengthen its Emissions Reduction Plan by diversifying sequestration methods, adopting international best practices, and engaging with global carbon markets. 

The Commission will be holding a webinar exploring this report on 30 July 2025.
Read EIANZ's submission on Aotearoa New Zealand’s Emissions Reduction Plan →
Learn more about the 2025 emissions reduction monitoring report →
Register for the webinar →
Read the media release →

Australia is celebrating 50 years of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), having been one of the first countries to sign the agreement in 1976. CITES protects endangered plants and animals from international trade threats, with Australia enforcing these protections through the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, making it illegal to trade protected wildlife without permission.

The convention now includes more than 180 countries and covers a wide range of protected specimens from crocodile leather and traditional medicines to musical instruments containing materials like ivory and rosewood.
Learn more →

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) shared that the Australian Government's $200 million Landscape Repair Program is funding six regional projects across Great Barrier Reef catchments to tackle sediment run-off, which is one of the most significant threats to reef water quality.

The projects, managed by local natural resource management groups, will focus on activities like gully remediation, grazing land management, and restoring native vegetation along waterways. The program involves collaboration between community groups, First Nations communities, landholders and industries, and is funded through the Reef Trust as part of Australia's broader efforts to improve water quality flowing to the reef.
Learn more →

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Please be aware that automated systems may access publicly available information from our member directory through our website. Should you receive any suspicious or unauthorised correspondence that appears to be related to your EIANZ membership, we encourage you to contact us immediately so we can provide appropriate assistance.

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