Welcome to this week's issue!

With just one week to go until the EIANZ 2025 Impact Assessment Symposium, registrations are about to close!

Sessions will go in-depth into critical issues facing impact assessment practitioners and highlight practical methods to evaluate and enhance IA effectiveness. Hear from international experts from Ireland, North America and the UK as we address the breadth of the discipline and dive deeply into:

• Strategic environmental assessment
• Social impact assessment
• Stakeholder engagement, and
• Project delivery and post-approvals.

This symposium brings together practitioners, regulators and researchers to shift the debate from efficiency of process to the achievement of outcomes, and to propose solutions in both policy and practice. 

We hope to see you in Sydney!
Register here →
View the program →

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has applied pressure for the government to deliver overhauled national environmental laws (EPBC Act) before Christmas, which would significantly condense the planned 18-month timeline.

Speaking ahead of last week’s National Economic Reform Roundtable, to which EIANZ made a submission, the Treasurer warned that approval delays are costing billions in stalled housing and renewable energy projects. At the roundtable, government and stakeholders backed a suite of commitments, including the introduction of tighter national standards, faster approvals and stronger transparency measures.
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This week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made an unannounced trip to Kangaroo Island to assess the ongoing algal bloom affecting South Australian coastal waters and announced $8.5 million in federal funding to support local councils, scientific monitoring, and state-level response efforts, bringing the total federal response to more than $42 million. 

The algal bloom is causing havoc, threatening marine biodiversity along an extensive portion of the coast and resulting in widespread fish mortality. It is depleting oxygen levels in the water and creating dead zones that make survival difficult for aquatic species to survive. Consequentially, the algal bloom is disrupting local ecosystems, creating long-term risks for seagrass beds and food chains.

The latest federal funding opens opportunities in aquatic ecology, impact assessment, and long-term monitoring programs. The bloom has also opened up a policy debate that suggests marine disasters may soon attract stricter reporting obligations and revised compliance standards.
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Aotearoa New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has removed mandatory emissions reporting requirements for agriculture, meaning three of the country’s largest emitters will no longer be required to disclose their greenhouse gas output. The decision has triggered criticism from climate experts, who warn that it undermines transparency and makes it harder to track progress towards the country’s legally binding 2050 net-zero target.

The change comes as New Zealand struggles to balance its climate ambitions with the economic weight of the agricultural sector, which accounts for nearly half of national emissions. Without mandatory disclosures, consultants and regulators may face significant data gaps, increasing reliance on voluntary reporting or modelling.

This development raises compliance uncertainty for projects dependent on verified emissions baselines, with potential knock-on effects for carbon accounting and climate adaptation planning
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Environment Minister Murray Watt expressed disappointment that a global plastics treaty wasn’t secured in Geneva, but reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to advancing measures against plastic pollution. The stance signals continued engagement in international efforts despite the stalled negotiations. Minister Watt stressed that Australia aims to reduce plastic imports and promote circular economy principles.
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Following the news about the global plastics treaty in Geneva, the South Australian Government has announced a ban on several single-use plastics, including:

• Soy sauce fish containers
• Fruit stickers (on fresh produce)
• Straws (including those attached to drink packs)
• Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks)
• Plates and bowls
• Cotton bud sticks

Effective 1 September, the initiative aims to reduce litter and protect marine wildlife with environmentally friendly alternatives.
Read the guide to the 2025 ban on single-use plastics →

EIANZ has announced the return of the premier transport and ecology conference, ANET 2026, with the theme Breaking the barriers: Innovating to improve ecological outcomes on transport and other linear infrastructure. Calls or abstracts and registrations are now open – save the date!
Submit an abstract and register →

A private email from Curtin University scientist has revealed that the WA government “put a very rosy spin” on a summary of a technical report assessing damage from Woodside’s emissions on ancient Murujuga rock art.

The full 800-page report remains public and contains data that was omitted from the state-sanctioned summary. The news raises serious concerns about government interference in scientific assessments and transparency when balancing development with heritage protection. The controversy further highlights the need for independent reporting processes, with calls for a royal commission suggesting this could set important precedents for heritage impact assessments across Australia.
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NSW Health has released the Expert Advisory Panel on PFAS Recommendations report. The panel found that while PFAS are widely present, the health impacts are small and uncertain, and there is no clinical value in individual blood testing.

The report stresses the need for clear, transparent communication with communities, recommends continuing with conservative exposure thresholds, and highlights the importance of focusing on general preventive health measures rather than PFAS-specific interventions.

This report offers valuable guidance for those working at the interface of environment, health, and community engagement.

In response, PFAS experts published answers to common questions about these persistent environmental toxins, helping people understand exposure pathways and safety measures.
Read the report →

The Department of Climate Change, the Environment, Energy and Water (DCCEEW) is seeking feedback to help shape its position for the 20th meeting of CoP20 to the CITES in Uzbekistan from 24 November to 5 December 2025.

The conference will discuss cross-border trade of endangered species and assess proposals to change listings for marine species, terrestrial animals like giraffes and rhinos, and various plant species. Feedback is needed by 11:59pm on 15 September 2025 to ensure Australia's position is informed and practical.
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Founding President of EIANZ and Emeritus Professor of Environmental Science and Managment at the University of Queensland, Tor Hundloe HLMEIANZ, has written a comprehensive book examining the relationship between First Nations Australians and other Australians, particularly relevant for those working with Indigenous communities.

In The Golden Rule: To walk in each other's shoes, Professor Hundloe identifies closing the life expectancy gap in remote communities as Australia's most pressing ethical challenge and explores why the Voice referendum was unsuccessful. The book also tackles the complex global issue of Indigenous peoples wanting to return to traditional ways of life, including hunting and gathering, amid concerns about limited arable land for a world population approaching 10 billion. The Institute would like to congratulate Emeritus Professor Hundloe on the release of his book.
Learn more about The Golden Rule: To walk in each other's shoes →

Thousands of monarch butterflies have descended upon the rural town of Nannup in WA this week, creating a spectacular display that's delighting locals and tourists at the annual flower and garden festival. The butterfly swarm, which has lasted over two months, is feeding on invasive weeds like cotton bush and milkweed that have become prevalent in surrounding pine plantations. 
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Of interest​​​​​

Australia

How could we clean up the algal bloom?
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Environment groups, researchers say NT EPA policy change is a worrying 'WA blueprint'
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Sydney developer gets 'slap on the wrist' after illegally clearing hundreds of trees to build $3 million mansion
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Victoria’s mountain ash forests could lose a quarter of giant trees as temperatures rise
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Nothing beats the rakali, Australia's mighty native water rat
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Want to see Australia’s rare and remarkable species for yourself? Here are 10 standout spots
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New Zealand

Department of Conservation targets businesses and philanthropists in funding drive
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DOC’s bird flu vaccine trial a success
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Will making nature sacred save it?
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NZ-listed insurer prices in risk of sea surges and landslides, in world-first
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Calls for ban on taking seafood from Whangaparāoa coastline as rock pools pillaged
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Greatest ever protection for Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana
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Global

For Indigenous communities, AI brings peril — and promise
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Subsea desalination plant will turn Pacific Ocean into tap water
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How Switzerland’s Solar Train Tracks Could Reshape Renewable Energy
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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

Upper Murrumbidgee Drought Operating Framework open for feedback | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 11 September
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20th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora | Department of Conservation | Closes 15 September
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Application for a WARO concession by the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation | Department of Conservation | Closes 19 September
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Offshore electricity infrastructure framework: draft research and demonstration licence guideline | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 11 September| Closes 3 October
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Still open

Application for a lease, licence, easement concession at Ruapara Bay | Department of Conservation | Closes 22 August
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The review of international environmental regulatory frameworks for onshore wind energy | BirdLife Australia | Closes 22 August
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The Australian Light Pollution Guidelines | BirdLife Australia | Closes 22 August
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2025-26 National and Commonwealth heritage nominations round | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 29 August 2025
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Sustainable investment product labels | The Australian Treasury | Closes 29 August
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Australian Heritage Council: Expressions of interest now open | Australian Heritage Council | Closes 31 August 2025
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Have Your Say: First Nations Clean Energy Program | The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 31 August 2025
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2025 Issues Paper Consultation | The Climate Change Authority | Closes 1 September 2025
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Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade Route National Heritage Assessment | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 2 September
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Proposal to approve a reduction in the width of a marginal strip adjoining Opanuku Stream | Department of Conservation | Closes 5 September
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Greenwashing Inquiry | Parliament of Australia: Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications | Closes 12 September 2025
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Read EIANZ's previous submission →

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
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Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy | The Australian Senate | 12 September 2025
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Draft National Recovery Plan for the Golden sun moth | The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 2 October
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ACCU Scheme Savanna Fire Management Methods Consultation | The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Consultation period opens October 2025
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Algal blooms in South Australia | Parliament of Australia: Environment and Communications References Committee | Closes 28 October
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Select Committee on PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) | Parliament of Australia: Select Committee on PFAS  | Closes 19 November
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Aotearoa New Zealand’s World Heritage Tentative List | Ministry for the Environment | Closes 30 January 2026
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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
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Jobs board

Explore the newest opportunities advertised on our Jobs Board

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In case you missed it - headlines from last week's issue

Institute Insider #431

EIANZ announces updates to Rules of Association and upcoming online member consultation on 25 August 2025 to discuss

Australian Government announces opening of the Nature Repair Market and Biodiversity Market Register

DCCEEW announces $2.8 million investment to help protect captive populations of threatened species from H5 avian influenza (bird flu)

University of Adelaide research finds endangered plains-wanderers thriving in habitat previously considered unsuitable

A study conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast finds 5% of kookaburras and lorikeets have undergone a 'sex reversal'

Potential EIANZ Board nominees are invited to an information session on 3 September 2025 ahead of the upcoming Board election.

The Australian Government approves a 135 MW solar farm with a 135 MW/2-hour battery in NSW

The 2025 EIANZ Impact Assessment Symposium only has two weeks to go!

Central office alerted to an uptick in scam emails received by members ahead of the Impact Assessment Symposium

The Australian Senate has established the Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy, requests EIANZ make a submission

Revised By-law 9: Fellowship and Honorary Membership comes into effect 

DOC, with Ngāi Tahu and volunteers, releases 148 juvenile kakī (black stilt) into the wild

DOC announces need for more habitat for black robins (kakaruia/karure)

DCCEEW's Threatened Species Bake Off kicks off on 7 September 2025

Read Institute Insider issue #431 here →

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