Public sector and policy

Towards net zero

QLD Government updates framework to connect 22GW of renewable energy to the grid: the QLD Government released its Renewable Energy Zone Roadmap which outlines the state’s framework for strategically connecting 22 GW of new grid-scale renewable energy in 12 potential locations. As part of delivering and implementing the roadmap, the QLD Government is committed to:

• conducting the Central Queensland Strategic REZ Readiness Assessment and similar assessments for North, Far North and Southern Queensland in late 2024; 

• focusing on the first phase of REZ development;

• allocating $20m from the Regional Economic Futures Fund to action outputs from REZ Readiness Assessments; and

• undertaking a review into how the QLD Government can better manage community feedback.

SA Government increases renewable energy target, net 100% by 2027: the SA Government announced it will bring forward its renewable energy target by three years, increasing the state’s efforts to decarbonise economic development. Based on the revised target, electricity generation in SA is forecast to be sourced from net 100% renewables by 2027. 

Cwth Government develops Electricity and Energy Sector Plan Discussion Paper: the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is soliciting feedback on various aspects of the energy transition to inform the development of its Electricity and Energy Sector Plan. The Discussion Paper, released in Mar-24, aims to shape the plan, which will support initiatives targeting renewable energy targets by gathering insights on challenges and opportunities within the energy sector.

Cwth Government releases National Climate Adaptation and Risk Program: DCCEEW released a discussion paper to seek input on the National Climate Adaptation and Risk Program, including Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment, and the National Adaptation Plan. The discussion paper covers: 

• Gathering feedback on plan design elements including duration, scope, measurement, and implementation approach; 

• Seeking input on priorities to increase adaptation efforts in Australia;

• Serving an educational role in climate adaptation; and 

• Outlining key messages regarding the AUS Government’s adaptation policy and plans. 

VIC Government announces plans to fast track approvals for RE projects: in March-24 the VIC Government introduced an accelerated planning pathway under the Development Facilitation Program (DFP) for renewable energy projects. This change aims to prevent delays during the final stages of approval, reducing the approval timeframe to four months from the time of a submitted application. While community objections are still considered, the streamlined process overseen by a dedicated facilitation team seeks to eliminate time-consuming delays and facilitate quicker resolution of issues, ultimately expediting the delivery of renewable energy projects. 

Cwth Government conducts review into Community Engagement of RE projects: the Commonwealth DCCEEW released the Community Engagement Review, identifying opportunities to ensure community support and participation in Australia’s renewable energy transition. The review highlighted progress in: 

• National guidelines for community engagement and benefit sharing in transmission infrastructure development; 

• Implementation of a First Nations Clean Energy Strategy, ensuring input from First Nations people in renewable energy policies; 

• Introduction of a Nationally Significant Transmission Projects Framework to expedite project completion; and 

• Establishment of a Renewable Energy Transformation Agreement to synchronise approval processes between federal and state governments. 

WA Government develops EV Strategy to support the state’s electric vehicles transition: the WA Government announced its EV Strategy, outlining initiatives and $200m in investments to support the adoption of electric vehicles within the state. In particular, the strategy includes:

• 10,000 rebates of $3,500 to Western Australians who purchase an EV;

• Investment to deliver reliable fast-charging infrastructure;

• $125m in state funding to deliver 130 locally built EV buses; and

• Additional funding to support local governments, not-for-profits and SMEs to install charging infrastructure.

Towards a circular economy

Climate-related financial disclosure (CRFD) for companies, registered schemes and superannuation entities: the Cwth Government’s Treasury introduced the exposure draft of the Treasury Laws Amendment Bill 2024: Climate-related Financial Disclosure (CRFD) in Jan-24, subsequently presenting the bill to the House of Representatives in Mar-24. Preceded by two consultation papers, the bill outlines mandatory and standardised CRFD obligations for medium and large listed and unlisted entities starting from 1 January 2025. Should the proposed legislation be enacted, companies will incur transition costs as they adapt to new reporting requirements. However, these expenses are expected to be mitigated by the enhancements in risk management and capital allocation over the medium term. Ultimately, this initiative aims to foster sustainability within the corporate sector.

NSW Government establishes Asbestos task force to investigate asbestos in mulch: the NSW Government established an Asbestos Taskforce to support the investigation into asbestos in mulch conducted by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The taskforce’s main focus is on contact tracing within the supply chain, testing, and managing any positive results, while also coordinating efforts to prioritise high-risk sites and strengthen penalties for breaches of the law. 

Updating Australia’s strategy for nature 2019-2030: DCCEEW is updating Australia’s Nature Strategy to align with global biodiversity goals, focusing on conserving land and oceans, preventing extinctions, restoring ecosystems, addressing invasive species, promoting a circular economy, and mitigating climate change impacts. Essential elements for success include delivering accessible environmental data, integrating nature into decision-making, and ensuring equal participation, especially for First Nations people. 

QLD Government releases the Queensland Battery Industry Strategy: the Queensland New-Industry Development Strategy prioritises the development of the battery industry to support the achievement of the state’s renewable energy target, aiming to leverage its mineral expertise for processing and manufacturing. By fostering partnerships with industry and research, the QLD Government plans to create over 9,100 jobs and contribute $1.3bn to the economy by 2030. 

Cwth Government develops national policy to recycle waste from international ships: the Commonwealth Government announced plans to develop a national policy for recycling waste from international shipping logistics. The initiative aims to assess biosecurity risks and address ship-sourced pollution and marine littering by establishing protocols for cleaning, segregating, and managing waste materials. 

TAS Government 2024 Waste and Resource Recovery High Priority Infrastructure Grant: the TAS Government released the 2024 Waste and Resource Recovery High Priority Infrastructure Grant, which aims to support infrastructure projects in TAS that enhance resource recovery and contribute to the circular economy. Priority is given to submissions demonstrating improvements in the reuse, repair, collection, sorting, processing, recycling and remanufacturing of materials from construction and demolition projects, plastics, organics, tyres, textiles, and oil and chemical solvents.