The NSW Legislative Council has passed a bill that requires local councils to prepare management plans that take account of the effects of climate change.
NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes today released a draft coastal management bill that includes a mechanism to classify areas as vulnerable to climate change and other hazards.
More developments are likely to require Sustainable Planning Act assessment, after a decision by the Palaszczuk Government to redraw coastal zone boundaries so they consider sea-level rise.
Environment ministers have agreed to strengthen controls on particle pollution, speed up work on a national clean air agreement and establish a national standard for the environmental management of chemicals.
The WA Government has refused to insert greenhouse gas controls into the revised licence for a coal-fired power station, acting on advice from the State's Appeals Convenor.
The Climate Change Authority today issued its final report on future targets, adhering to its draft recommendation that Australia aim to cut emissions 30% below 2000 levels by 2025.