Welcome to this week's issue!
We are thrilled to announce the first keynote speaker for the EIANZ 2025 Annual Conference, Professor Josh Byrne AM.
Josh is an environmental scientist and urban design professional who leads through demonstration projects that test innovation and share learning with communities. He serves as Dean of Sustainable Futures at Curtin University while also directing his own landscape architecture practice, Josh Byrne & Associates.
For 20 years, he has been the WA presenter on ABC TV's Gardening Australia, demonstrating sustainable gardening to national audiences. He has authored three books on sustainable gardening and low carbon living and regularly contributes to print and radio media. Josh serves on multiple boards including the Waste Authority of Western Australia and holds various government advisory roles. In 2025, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant contributions to conservation, environmental media, and authorship.
At the EIANZ 2025 Annual Conference, Josh will share insights on his interdisciplinary approach across environmental science and urban design to create scalable solutions that translate complex sustainability challenges into actionable outcomes in line with this year’s conference theme of "Environmental Excellence Through Collaboration".
Register here →
Learn more about Professor Josh Byrne AM →
The Business Council of Australia claims the government would need up to $530 billion in capital investment to hit a 70% emissions reduction target by 2035.
The BCA hasn't backed a specific target but their analysis shows achieving around 50% cuts would require $210-300 billion, while 60% would need $395-480 billion. The most ambitious scenario assumes 90% renewables in the electricity sector and could mean Australia's coal and gas exports drop by $100-150 billion annually. This comes as the Climate Change Authority is set to recommend a 2035 target to the Albanese government within days, with expectations pointing towards a range between 65-75%.
Learn more →
Learn more: Former UN climate chief urges Australia to set ‘prosperity’ target →
Australian Environmental Crime Officers have intercepted hundreds of illegal wildlife exports this year through operations targeting organised trafficking networks. Operation Ramsey exposed a syndicate funding illegal reptile exports to China, while Operation RAV resulted in a 2 years+ prison sentence for attempting to smuggle 27 native reptiles to Hong Kong hidden in boots and socks.
Environmental crime teams are working with Border Force and state agencies to combat wildlife trafficking, with maximum penalties of 10 years imprisonment and $330,000 fines. Report suspected illegal wildlife activities on 1800 110 395.
Learn more about Operation Ramsey →
Learn more about Operation RAV →
This week, it was revealed that a methane leak in Darwin's massive LNG storage tank, once hailed as the world's largest when it opened in 2006, has been ongoing for years due to a design fault that wasn't properly detected until 2019.
The leak could be equivalent to putting 8,300 new cars on the road each year, but operators ConocoPhillips waited eight months to report it to NT regulators after approval was granted for the plant's life extension. Santos, which took over the facility in 2020, has decided not to fix or replace the faulty tank despite it currently sitting empty, calling repairs a "commercial decision."
Environmental groups are calling it a cover-up, particularly given the explosion risks to Darwin and Palmerston residents who were never told about the leak. The tank is set to be refilled later this year as part of Santos's controversial $5.6 billion Barossa project, with methane continuing to escape into the atmosphere. Critics say current regulations are too weak, allowing companies to report estimates rather than accurately measuring these potent greenhouse gas emissions.
Learn more →
This week, the Talaroo Indigenous Protected Area covering 31,941 hectares near Mount Surprise in North Queensland was officially dedicated, adding to the Australian Government's efforts to protect Australia's land and oceans.
Located in Ewamian Country along the Einasleigh River, the former pastoral station is home to at least 12 nationally threatened species including the Golden-shouldered Parrot. Ewamian Rangers lead essential land care activities including fire management, weed control and cultural heritage surveys across the area. The dedication contributes an additional 462 hectares to Australia's National Reserve System, supporting the government's target to protect 30 per cent of land and oceans by 2030.
Learn more →
South Australia has become the first Australian state to ban fish-shaped plastic soy sauce containers from September 1, 2025, as part of its ongoing campaign to phase out single-use plastics. The ban targets containers holding less than 30ml of soy sauce, with businesses encouraged to use bulk dispensers or lighter-weight plastic sachets as alternatives. SA has been leading national environmental reform since 2009, having previously banned plastic bags, straws, cutlery, coffee cups and other single-use items, with Premier Peter Malinauskas expecting other states to follow suit.
Learn more →
This week, EIANZ Board nominations opened for all seven positions, including:
- President
- Vice-President (Australia)
- Vice-President (New Zealand)
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Two Ordinary Board Member positions
Board elections are held every two years, with successful candidates serving a term beginning November 26, 2025. As a Board member, you'll have the opportunity to shape the environment profession across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand while developing your professional skills and networks.
The Institute is seeking experienced, passionate collaborators who bring diverse perspectives and skills from across both countries. Interested candidates are encouraged to review the Board duties and expectations before applying. Nominations close on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Download the nomination form →
Read the Notice of Election here →
PhD candidate Jesse Kenny, from EIANZ-accredited university RMIT, is researching the emotional impacts of environmental work, to help our profession better understand and address psychological wellbeing in impact assessment roles. He is seeking survey respondents whose anonymous participation will contribute valuable insights that could shape future workplace mental health protections for environmental professionals across Australia. If you have questions about the survey, please reach out to jesse.kenny@student.rmit.edu.au.
Learn more and take the survey →
An article featured last week in the National Indigenous Times has outlined the depth and holistic nature of the relationship between Australian Aboriginal peoples and Country, a critical concept in our understanding of First Nations culture, values and obligations.
Country isn't just a place on a map - it's fundamental to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity, culture, language, and law. Unlike Western concepts of land ownership, Country holds ancestors, stories, and knowledge, creating a relationship of care, respect, and responsibility.
Learn more →
Read EIANZ’s Position Statement on Indigenous People’s Knowledge and Engagement →
Read EIANZ’s Ethical Practice Guidance Note: Practicing Ethically with Respect to the Rights and Interests of Indigenous Peoples →
To mark this Sunday as Threatened Species Day, EIANZ is supporting the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's (DCCEEW) Threatened Species Bake Off by providing some lucky winners free access to an EIANZ webinar of their choice. The Institute is also awarding three member entries into the competition.
To secure your chance to win, please follow the steps below:
- Follow DCCEEW's guidelines to enter the Threatened Species Bake Off by Sunday, 7 September 2025.
- Send a copy of your entry photo to communication@eianz.org by end of day Thursday, 11 September 2025.
- Winners will be decided next Friday, 12 September, and notified via email.
We look forward to seeing your creations!
Learn more about the Threatened Species Bake Off →
Last Monday, Australia celebrated National Wattle Day. The Golden Wattle serves as the national floral emblem, representing the diversity and resilience of both our native flora and our multicultural population. With over 1,075 species of wattle across the continent, these hardy plants symbolise renewal and survival, being among the first to regenerate after bushfires and welcome spring with their brilliant golden blooms.
National Wattle Day has an interesting history, only becoming a national event in 1992. Although traditionally celebrated in most states on the first of spring, in 1916 New South Wales changed its date to 1 August, when wattle blooms around Sydney, and it became a means of NSW fundraising to support the Red Cross during World War I, as well as a potent symbol of home for military personnel serving overseas.
Just as wattles enrich the soil with nitrogen, Australians from diverse backgrounds contribute to our rich national culture, making Wattle Day a unifying celebration of our shared identity and the land we call home..
Learn more →
Of interest
Australia
Queensland government dumps Forest Wind project
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Murray Watt backs ‘no-go’ zones where development is banned – but not for Tasmania’s Robbins Island
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After repeat Anglesea River fish kills over 25 years, locals and experts are stumped
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Clean up patrols hit beaches in South Australia
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Authorities conduct water quality testing after hundreds of dead fish wash up on Perth Swan River
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Australia’s rivers play secret symphonies. Click to hear what this underwater world is telling us
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New Zealand
Why NZ sends our precious e-waste overseas
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DOC's new campaign puts NZ's population at 695 billion
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New research reveals our passion and blind spots when it comes to nature
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Plans for Conservation Minister to make all decisions
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Invasive trees felled as track work continues at Hahei
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Backcountry takahē make a comeback
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From laptop to tidepool: Always be Naturing with new ways to safeguard marine life
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Global
World’s biggest iceberg breaks up after 40 years: ‘Most don’t make it this far’
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Trump administration cancels $679 million for offshore wind projects at ports
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A Chinese lawyer takes on mining giants abroad
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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 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
Black Mountain Greenhouse Redevelopment | Parliament of Australia: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation | Closes 15 October 2025
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Funding to support sustainable fishing in Queensland’s East Coast | The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 21 November 2025.
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Navigating impact in the environmental profession survey | RMIT University | Closes June 2026
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Still open
Climate Risk Assessment | Parliament of Australia: Environment and Communications References Committee | Closes 10 September 2025
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Upper Murrumbidgee Drought Operating Framework open for feedback | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 11 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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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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Select Committee on PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) | Parliament of Australia: Select Committee on PFAS | Closes 30 September
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Strategic Examination of Research and Development: issues papers | Department of Industry, Science and Resources | Closes 30 September 2025
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Draft National Recovery Plan for the Golden sun moth | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 2 October
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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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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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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
View all jobs →
In case you missed it - headlines from last week's issue
Institute Insider #432
EIANZ 2025 Insects in Crisis Symposium communiqué released
Australian Government fast-tracks environmental law reforms to address housing crisis
AI trials begin for environmental approvals as Australia tackles housing shortage
Independent MP introduces bill for stronger climate resilience framework
EIANZ 2025 Impact Assessment Symposium commences; shifts focus from speed to environmental outcomes
Australia commits additional $12 million to prepare for potential H5 avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak
Australia's first large-scale soft plastics recycling plant opens in NSW
Innovative air bubble technology deployed to protect giant cuttlefish from SA algal blooms
NSW parliamentary reports call for better climate integration and rural community protection
Nationwide hunt in Aotearoa NZ launched for rare left-spiralling snail to help 'Ned' find love
Read Institute Insider issue #433 here →
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