By Abbas Nazil
Australia is to introduce “no-go” zones where development will not be allowed under sweeping reforms to the nation’s environment laws, Environment Minister Murray Watt has confirmed.
The proposed changes will also create areas where projects can proceed without individual approvals, a move aimed at speeding up development and addressing delays that have hindered housing and renewable energy projects.
In a speech to the Smart Energy Council, Senator Watt outlined a new “regional planning” model that considers the cumulative impacts of development on habitats rather than assessing projects individually.
The model was a key recommendation of Graeme Samuel’s review, which found the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act was failing both the environment and businesses.
Watt explained that upfront identification of “go” and “no-go” zones would reduce costs, prevent duplication, and accelerate approvals while safeguarding sensitive areas.
He stressed that reforms are particularly critical for the renewable energy sector as the government pursues its target of 82 per cent renewable energy by the end of the decade.
Currently, renewables account for about half that share, but planning laws have caused years-long delays.
Industry leaders, including Smart Energy Council chief John Grimes, welcomed the reforms, saying regional plans would provide clarity on where development should occur and where it must be avoided.
Under the proposed framework, regional plans could also specify restoration priorities, monitoring requirements, and re-assessment measures to ensure environmental outcomes are achieved.
While not every region will require a plan, the federal government could set national standards to be adopted by states and territories.
Trials are already underway in Queensland for wind farms in Collinsville and for mining projects in Julia Creek and Richmond.
The government intends to introduce the reworked EPBC reforms to parliament in November, following broad consultation.
Watt said the reforms will ensure environmental laws support both climate goals and economic growth, avoiding the policy gridlock that stalled past reform attempts.
