The proponent of Australia's first offshore wind farm, which could meet 18% of Victoria's power needs, has applied to the state and federal governments for approval.
Penalties will be increased, and courts will be empowered to penalise polluters taking into account their profits from illegal behaviour, under proposed changes to Western Australia's main environment law.
Resources Minister Matt Canavan has instructed Chief Scientist Alan Finkel to review assessment procedures for oil and gas exploration in the Great Australian Bight, but has told him not to examine whether it should be a drilling-free zone.
A tribunal has refused to grant Alinta a planning permit for a wind farm because of its impact on an airfield and its proximity to a roosting area for a critically endangered bat.