Welcome to this week's issue!

In celebration of EIANZ's upcoming 2025 Annual Conference theme, Environmental Excellence Through Collaboration, we're proud to present an exciting opportunity to own a meaningful piece of art while supporting an Indigenous community via silent auction.

Artist Liz Clarke MEIANZ CEnvP has created the striking painting featured in the header image above exclusively for the Institute, titled Deep Roots, Shared Journey. This powerful work captures the essence of environmental practitioners united in their mission to protect and nurture Country.

Bidding is now open and will close Thursday, 23 October 2025–the final day of the Annual Conference. All funds raised will go to Gunggari Native Title Aboriginal Corporation.
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The Australian Government has announced a national target to reduce emissions by 62-70% below 2005 levels by 2035, representing a significant step up from the 43% 2030 target on the path to net zero by 2050. The government has released a Net Zero Plan with five decarbonisation priorities including clean electricity, electrification, clean fuels, new technologies, and carbon removals to guide the transition.

Six detailed sector plans cover electricity and energy, agriculture and land, built environment, industry, resources, and transport, outlining specific pathways for each area to contribute to emissions reduction. Treasury modelling shows the plan will support continued economic growth and higher living standards while leveraging Australia's renewable energy advantages to boost exports and create jobs.

The government is investing in new initiatives including a low carbon liquid fuels industry, industrial decarbonisation through the National Reconstruction Fund, and expanded EV charging infrastructure. According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Australia's new Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement positions the country to attract investment and remain competitive in the global transition to net zero.
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Read the Climate Change Authority's 2035 Emissions Reduction Targets Report →

This week, the Australian Government also released the country's first National Climate Risk Assessment and National Adaptation Plan to address climate change impacts across society, the environment, health, infrastructure and the economy.

The risk assessment identified 56 nationally significant risks and highlighted 11 priority risks for deeper analysis. It shows that climate hazards will worsen under all plausible futures but also emphasises that the worst-case scenario isn't inevitable if proper adaptation action is taken. The National Adaptation Plan outlines a vision for a well-adapted Australia, provides a framework for national coordination, and outlines roles and responsibilities across government, business, industry and community. It also recognises the impacts of climate change on First Nations peoples and highlights existing adaptation actions already underway.
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Two months after the International Court of Justice's historic climate ruling, affected nations are now weighing their next steps in leveraging the decision. While the court confirmed that fossil fuel production and subsidies may constitute internationally wrongful acts, Vanuatu has decided against immediate litigation and will instead use the ruling to strengthen its position at November's COP30 climate negotiations in Brazil.

Pacific Island advocates view the non-binding advisory opinion as crucial leverage to demand stronger emissions reduction commitments from major fossil fuel exporters like Australia. The ruling is expected to return to the UN General Assembly for adoption as a resolution, potentially establishing stronger legal precedent for future climate reparations claims by vulnerable Pacific nations.
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Researchers from Monash University have found that heatwaves caused 1,009 deaths across Australia over a four year study between 2016 and 2019, making them the country's deadliest climate hazard. Queensland and New South Wales recorded the highest heat-related death rates, with elderly residents, remote communities, and socially disadvantaged groups most at risk.

Emergency departments are already seeing more patients with heat-related illnesses and indirect health impacts during extreme heat events. Climate projections suggest heat-related deaths could rise by up to 444% in Sydney and 259% in Melbourne if global warming reaches 3°C. Health experts warn that heatwaves are a 'silent killer' that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, particularly those who can't afford air conditioning or adequate housing.
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The Australian Conservation Foundation has developed a map of Australia's east coast identifying areas where renewable energy projects can be fast-tracked without harming the environment or dividing communities. The mapping overlays biodiversity data with potential energy yields, showing that Australia can meet its net-zero targets by 2050 while protecting 70-90% of habitat for endangered species if projects avoid the 30% of land with highest biodiversity value.

The report highlights three case studies in Gippsland, Central West Orana, and Banana Shire, demonstrating how renewables can be developed on Australia's 50 million hectares of degraded land rather than pristine habitats. While some farmers remain sceptical, the foundation argues that choosing the right locations could speed up the renewable rollout whilst protecting threatened plants and animals.
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The NT's top environmental regulator is facing calls to resign over integrity concerns after taking undisclosed consultancy work with industry lobbyists and an advisory role with a mining company that has interests in the Territory. This follows recent news of a major methane leak at Darwin's LNG plant that had been kept secret from the public for almost 20 years until it was revealed by the ABC this month, with Santos cleared to use the facility for its controversial Barossa gas project without fixing the problem.

Environmental groups and federal crossbenchers are calling it a "national scandal" and demanding Canberra intervene with an independent assessor, saying public trust in the NT's environmental regulation is at rock bottom.
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The Australian Government is reducing offshore wind fees and regulatory requirements to encourage investment, including waiving annual levies for some licences and cutting application fees from $300,000 to as low as $20,000. Offshore wind projects currently in development could generate 24.21 GW of power - estimated as nearly double Australia's total housing demand - and could support over 22,500 jobs during construction and operation.

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy said the temporary two-year relief measures will help developers focus their resources on projects while the government continues to demand best practice community engagement for potential developments
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Scientists are developing genetically engineered wildlife, including frogs with alpaca genes, to help Australian native species survive threats like deadly fungal diseases and feral pests.

Other projects include engineering northern quolls to resist cane toad toxins and attempting to de-extinct the Tasmanian tiger using genetic editing techniques. The technology could help restore wildlife populations after bushfires, however ecologists warn of potential unintended ecosystem consequences.
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Aotearoa New Zealand's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is seeking farmers to participate in a demonstration programme that will install solar and battery systems on working farms to show how the technology can cut energy costs and build resilience.

The initiative offers funding support of up to 40% for inverters and batteries and up to 20% for solar panels (capped at $200,000 per farm), with participating farms becoming case studies to share practical insights with the wider farming community over five years. EECA's modelling suggests that if 30% of New Zealand farms installed larger solar systems, they could generate as much as 10% of the country's current electricity demand.
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The Guardian and Birdlife Australia are taking nominations now for the 2025 Australian bird of the year poll, giving you an early opportunity to get involved before voting kicks off on 6 October. Nominations will help shape the list of 50 birds that Australians will vote for, with daily eliminations until the winner is announced on 16 October. This biennial poll has been running since 2017, crowning champions like the magpie, black-throated finch, superb fairywren, and most recently the swift parrot in 2023.
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Of interest​​​​​

Australia

North West Shelf Project Extension final decision
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Whale and her calf entangled in shark net off Queensland coast
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SA's ongoing harmful algal bloom labelled 'cultural emergency' by First Nations groups
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Report finds Sydney Water was too quick to claim no PFAS hotspots in drinking water catchments
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Further protections for ancient Indigenous rock art at Murujuga Cultural Landscape
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Aussie scientists embark on biggest remote sub-Antarctic voyage in decades
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New Zealand

Listening to nature: Why water is central to NZ’s future
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Anger over body corp's plans to remove residents' native trees in Freemans Bay
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To save its rare birds, New Zealand is relying on a nation of backyard trappers
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Minister tight-lipped as Te Waikoropupū Springs plan in doubt
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Who Benefits: How a tiny charity rewrote NZ’s environmental law
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Solar power cuts electricity bills and carbon emissions – NZ needs to scale up faster
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Fiesty Westland petrel defies the odds
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Global

Data centers gobble Earth’s resources. What if we took them to space instead?
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Trump's Energy Department disbands group that sowed doubt about climate change
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Netherlands wind farm seaweed project completes first commercial harvest in North Sea
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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

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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

Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Bill | New Zealand Parliament Pāremata Aotearoa | 9 November 2025
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Draft National Recovery Plan for the Grassy Eucalypt Woodland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 19 December 2025
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Draft National Recovery Plan for the Swamps of the Fleurieu Peninsula | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 19 December 2025
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Draft National Recovery Plan for greater gliders | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 19 December 2025
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See all Draft National Recovery Plan consulations →

Still open

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 3 October
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Black Mountain Greenhouse Redevelopment | Parliament of Australia: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation | Closes 15 October 2025
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Implementing Australia’s Strategy for Nature 2024-2030 | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water | Closes 15 October 2025
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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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Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Board of Management Functions) Bill 2025 | Environment and Communications Legislation Committee | Closes 23 October 2025
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Expressions of interest to extend a holding lizards in captivity authorisation | Department of Conservation | Closes 31 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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Aotearoa New Zealand’s World Heritage Tentative List | Ministry for the Environment | Closes 30 January 2026
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Navigating impact in the environmental profession survey | RMIT University | Closes June 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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Possible association to Horizon Europe: request for information | Department of Industry, Science and Resources | Opened 10 September - Closing TBC
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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 #435

EIANZ announces Keith Bradby OAM as an additional  keynote speaker for the 2025 Annual Conference.

Environment Minister confirms that Australia's environmental laws will be overhauled with 'no go' zones.

Alan Chenoweth CEnvP HLMEIANZ authors Reconciling Perosnal Morals with Professional Ethics article for the Insitute and CEnvP Scheme.

Victoria's historic First Nations treaty legislation tabled in parliament.

EIANZ members invited to respond to and receive results of FY2026 Environment and Sustainability Remuneration annual survey.

Scrutiny follows federal approvals allowing almost 4,000 hectares of koala habitat cleared.

NSW goverment announces $140 million Great Koala National Park.

Aotearoa New Zealand increases penalties for breaches to the Resource Management Act (RMA).

Commercial fishers call for temporary fishing bans in SA to protect breeding stocks.

WA Premier announces new legislations to streamline development approvals.

Chlamidya vaccine for koalas receives nationwide approval.

University of Melbourne partnering with the Australian Research Council to evaluate Indigenous Preferential Procurement Programmes (IPPPs).

Specialist teams in Aotearoa New Zealand use controlled explosives to trigger avalanches along alpine highway to Milford Sound.

Read Institute Insider issue #435 here →

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