Long-overdue environmental reforms a milestone for sustainable development

Jackie Trad, Clean Energy Council Chief Executive, said that the passage of these long-awaited reforms to Australia’s environmental laws mean that rigorous assessment and approvals processes for renewable energy projects will be brought into the 21^st century.

“The forthcoming passage of these reforms today will make meaningful progress to protecting the environment and deliver the clarity and certainty that industry needs for sustainable development”, Ms Trad said.

“Once enacted, we look forward to seeing stronger results from minimising duplicative processes between the Commonwealth and the states, and delivering a fit-for-purpose, regional-based approach to environmental and biodiversity assessments, critical to delivering the new energy infrastructure we need.

“Our sector exists because of the need to protect our environment, and not in spite of it. We look forward to working in a more streamlined way in delivering the clean energy rollout in the national interest. 

“Congratulations to Minister Watt on achieving a major milestone for Australia’s environmental protection commitments, and for the essential renewables rollout that our nation needs, through his consultative approach to the negotiations,” she said.

Ms Trad said the clean energy sector looks forward to continued collaboration with all levels of Government to develop the National Standards and other regulations.

“The CEC has long advocated for modernising Australia’s environmental laws, however, the hard work continues from here to implement these reforms, and we encourage all states and territories to collaborate on its implementation.

“Regional planning is a core part of this reform package with the establishment of Environment Information Australia, and this will be key to supporting strong environmental outcomes,” she said.