World’s Largest Plant

An amazing story of the world’s largest plant located off the coast of Western Australia: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-61655327

Land Rezoning - Striking the Right Balance in NSW?

 

The NSW State Government has proposed a new approach that gives developers the lead role in rezoning applications, but media reports indicate strong resistance from local councils. Should private companies take the lead in land rezoning that will impact the character and natural environment of regional communities? #planninglaw #planning #environment 

Relief for Developers

Everyone in the construction industry is aware of the ongoing labour and supply shortages affecting development across the state. Over the past two years there has been an unprecedented disruption to construction projects caused by the bushfires, Covid 19 and the SEQ floods. Now, the war in Ukraine is affecting worldwide timber supplies, and timber frames for housing are even more difficult to find. 

The Queensland Government has just granted a 12 month extension to development approvals (planning permits) to address these delays. The extension does not cover building approvals, but it will give developers some breathing space as they try to reorganise to deal with the new operating environment. Read more here and here. 

New Assessment Guidelines for Activities in Reef Catchment

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has released new draft guidelines in relation to sediment and nutrient emission standards that will apply to certain activities in reef catchment areas. These guidelines will apply to the assessment processes adopted by DES when evaluating environmental authority applications. Have your say before16 April 2021 using this link.

Solar Thermal Energy Plant in Mt Isa

Queensland's state-owned Stanwell Corporation is partnering with Australian company Vast Solar for a $600 million solar thermal energy plant in Mt Isa.

Vast Solar developed concentrating solar thermal energy technology and has been completing tests with contractors in Mt Isa since 2020.

If the feasibility study leads to approval, the plant is expected to come online in 2024.

Read More - Townsville Bulletin

Australian Government Pays Cayman Islands Company for Water

The Auditor-General is demanding answers from the Department of Agriculture after the Australian government pays $13 million above valuation price to a Cayman Islands company for water entitlements. Read more - ABC News

Green Power v Red Tape

Operators of a bio-power energy plant fuelled by sugar cane waste (bagasse) at the Tableland Mill are complaining that regulators AEMO and the Queensland Power Regulator are shifting the goalposts for approval. MSF Sugar completed the plant three years ago but has now been forced to resubmit reports and data on the plant's performance. 

Queensland's sugar industry has suffered as global supply chains and overseas subsidies force local mills to close. The mill at Maryborough was shuttered last year and diversification into bio-power has been seen as a lifeline for struggling Australian cane growers. Read more - The Australian