Energy governance in Australia is currently fragmented between Federal and State government, and across quasi-commercial energy entities. This fragmentation limits the effective delivery of renewable energy networks and projects in Australia. Although the government has had a lot to say about renewable energy, action has been arguably slow. On the flipside, we’ve seen proactive behaviour […]

Understanding the complexity of solar farm development requires an understanding of diverse legislative practices across Australia. Being aware of best and current practice arguably enables us to adopt the most streamlined and effective approach to assessments and approvals. The most effective approach often means adopting local adaptations, which focus on enhanced practices and benefits to […]

Climate change and rising sea levels pose a significant threat to coastal amenities around Australia, and the world. It’s now more important than ever to engage communities and stakeholders affected by coastal hazard risks. We believe that effective engagement is key to driving collective action. But how do we make this happen? Here’s more on […]

Over the past 20 years, we have seen businesses in the extractive industry face more and more red tape when it comes to securing planning and environmental approvals. Operators often require numerous approvals at local, state and Commonwealth levels, and regulations and compliance requirements are becoming increasingly onerous. Principal Environmental Planner, Sharee Rasmussen, has been […]

Working with local shires and communities in regional Western Australia is a big part of what we do. Earlier this year, The Shire of Ravensthorpe engaged us to develop a Mainstreet Improvement Strategy for the townships of Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun. The primary goal of the strategy was to encourage locals and tourists to visit the […]

The State Administrative Tribunal (the Tribunal) handed down a decision last month, which has major implications for local planning in Western Australia. In the case of West Australian Shalom Inc. v City of Joondalup [2023] WASAT 63, (the Matter) questions were raised as to whether development approval was required under the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS), […]

Community Consultation  These days everybody has an expectation to be consulted, yet there is a difference between public participation and community consultation in planning.    The requirement for community consultation is enshrined in planning legislation as well as State Planning policy and planning regulations. This establishes a requirement that it be done, however the quality of […]

The State Government is in the final stages of implementing regulatory changes that will have a major impact on planning and development in Western Australia. According to the State Government, the reforms are designed to streamline the planning system and make the process easier to navigate. Today, we’ll be delving into what the proposed changes […]

The Bureau of Meteorology recently declared that Australia is officially experiencing its third La Niña this summer. This relatively rare climate event is typically marked by increased rainfall and flooding risks, as well as cooler daytime temperatures. Although the Eastern States of Australia have been hit the hardest, Western Australia is still experiencing the effects […]

The Shire of Gingin engaged Land Insights to capture aerial imagery of the coastline from Seabird to Ledge Point to Lancelin. The project objective was to monitor coastal dunes in the area, to better understand how they responded to changes in the seasons, including storm events. The aerial data we collected and processed would be […]

Last month a 20-year State Infrastructure Strategy (the ‘Strategy’) for Western Australia was tabled in Parliament. The long-term infrastructure plan titled, ‘Foundations for a stronger tomorrow‘, is the first of its kind in WA. Premier Mark McGowan said the Strategy will be critical to planning, managing and delivering infrastructure over the next two decades. “The […]

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is currently looking into whether outdoor rotational piggeries, which have grown beyond a particular scope, should be licensed in WA. Existing outdoor rotational and those in proposal phase are under the spotlight.