A Queensland farmer fined $118,000 for land clearing, has been refused special leave to argue before the High Court that the State's vegetation protection law was unjust.
A Federal Government report, issued today, reveals plans to 'streamline' federal hazardous waste laws and to use mutual recognition arrangements to manage federal, state and territory threatened species lists.
State governments are exploring new, simplified ways to ensure projects don't result in unacceptable harm to biodiversity, says environmental lawyer and consultant Amanda Cornwall.
A state parliamentary inquiry has partially heeded coal seam gas industry concerns about a Queensland environment bill and has also urged caution in introducing enforceable undertakings.
Dredging and other activities that affect the Great Barrier Reef would no longer require EPBC approval, but would instead only be assessed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, under new proposals.