Queensland’s Environmental Offsets Framework is getting a reset The Queensland Government has released a discussion paper signalling meaningful reform to the Environmental Offsets Framework, the system that governs how developers compensate for unavoidable environmental impacts. Consultation closes 5pm on Monday 29 June 2026. Here is our read on what is changing and what it means […]
What the QLD Government koala Conservation Strategy Discussion Paper Means for Project Stakeholders The South East Queensland is at a critical planning crossroads. Rapid population growth, infrastructure delivery and housing supply pressures continue to intensify—at the same time as one of the region’s most iconic species, the koala, remains in decline. In response, the Queensland
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (EPBC Regulations) are due to sunset on 1 April 2026. To ensure their ongoing operation under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), the Australian Government is updating the Regulations. The proposed changes are described as minor corrections only, aimed at maintaining accuracy and
EPBC Regulations to Sunset in 2026 – Consultation Open Read More »
Introduction Queensland is stepping into a new era of environmental planning, with bioregional planning set to shape how future developments are assessed and approved. Sparked by the 2021 Independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) led by Professor Graeme Samuel AC, this approach aims to give industries more certainty
Bioregional Planning in Queensland & the EPBC Act Read More »
Regulatory Reform Ahead – What the Proposed Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) Amendments Mean for Project Proponents The Queensland Government has released a consultation paper outlining proposed reforms to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act), the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) and chapter 3 of the Water Act 2000 (Water Act). These reforms
Since as early as 2012, incidences of paralysed rainbow lorikeets, scaly-breasted lorikeets, grey-headed flying foxes, and little red flying foxes have occurred in South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, particularly in the summer months. In recent years, the number of cases has increased significantly, with over 1,000 flying foxes, and just under 8,000 rainbow
Fisheries Queensland is seeking feedback relating to proposed updates to the Accepted development requirements for operational work that is the removal, destruction or damage of marine plants. A comprehensive table of changes can be found at the website location below. Some of the proposed changes of note include: Public engagement on the proposed update is
Proposed Updates to Marine Plants Accepted Development Requirements Read More »
Biodiversity: The Key to Sustainable Development – How Companies and Individuals Can Help Biodiversity plays a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring that natural processes like pollination, water purification, and climate regulation continue to support life. However, biodiversity is under increasing pressure from human activities, including deforestation, pollution, and climate change. As a
Biodiversity Footprint vs. Carbon Footprint: Understanding Their Impact on Environmental Planning In the pursuit of sustainable development, two key environmental metrics often come into focus: biodiversity footprint and carbon footprint. For environmental planning consultants like New Ground Environmental, understanding these concepts is critical to offering effective solutions to land developers, government bodies, and other stakeholders.
Biodiversity Footprint vs. Carbon Footprint: What’s the difference? Read More »
Biodiversity is one of the key assets of an ecosystem, representing the variety of living organisms within it. This diversity is critical for maintaining ecosystem stability and functionality. In Australia, with its unique and rich biodiversity, the impact of species loss is a significant concern. In this article, we explore how biodiversity loss affects Australian
How Biodiversity Loss Impacts Ecosystems in Australia Read More »
We’ve made a simple self-help checklist to help you identify when you might want to get us involved. Engaging an ecological consultant for a property project is crucial for a multitude of reasons, but when do you need to pick up the phone for a chat?
