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A one day conference exploring the intersection between environmental law, policy and practice.
We are delighted to announce Thomson Reuters' Environment & Planning Law Conference, taking place in Perth on July 1 2021. Environmental & planning law is a constantly evolving area of practice, with many emerging issues, complex layers of legislation and regulation, and numerous different stakeholder interests to consider.
9:00AM Welcome from the Chair
9:05AM EPBC Act reform: what are the reforms and their implications?
Nada Raphael, Partner, MinterEllison
9:45AM Recycling and Waste Reduction Bill 2020 update and opportunities
This landmark legislation will see Australia take responsibility for its waste and establishes a national industry framework for recycling. move to a circular economy with a strong market for recycled materials
What are the implications of the Bill?
How is the export ban on waste being implemented?
Analysis of the new waste management regulations
What are the opportunities from this Bill?
Reforms to the regulation and impact for product stewardship
Opportunities for recycle and waste management industry
Craig Slarke, Partner, McLeods Barristers & Solicitors Stirling Law Chambers
10:25AM Networking & refreshment break
10:45AM Climate change litigation
Climate change litigation is increasingly viewed as a tool to influence policy outcomes and corporate behaviour and there have been a number of strategic cases designed to press governments to be more ambitious on climate or to enforce existing legislation. Session to cover key trends in climate change litigation.
Recent climate change cases and litigation arising in the environmental and planning law context
International cases on liability for climate change
Local manifestation of climate change impacts: potential scope for litigation
Ilona Millar, Partner, Baker & McKenzie
11:25AM National Environmental Standards (NES): what exactly will NES cover and what are the implications?
What are matters of national environmental significance (MNES)?
Ecologically sustainable development
Protecting nationally important environmental matters
What will be the new process and environmental outcomes?
Harmonisation of data standards and methodologies – is this possible?
Centralisation of disparate systems? – be careful what you wish for
Transparent processes, robust decisions, and reforms
Jason Hick, Director and Principal Environmental Consultant, Emerge Associates
12:05PM Lunch
1:00PM Panel discussion: Rehabilitation - how to protect the environment and balance the interests of industry
1:40PM Heritage and social considerations under the Western Australia Environmental Protection Act and its interactions with the ACH Bill
Expectations regarding engagement with Traditional Owners with regard to social, cultural and heritage considerations are changing faster than policy.
Differences and interaction with the ACH Bill
Social, cultural and heritage management plans under the EP Act
Implications for stakeholders and proponents
More than a stakeholder – how is input from Traditional Owners included in assessment and decision making under the EP Act?
Lessons from recent EPA decisions and recommended conditions
Lisa Adams, Senior Principal, Environmental Approvals, Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd
2:20PM Bushfires management and environment law: what have we learnt and where to next?
Each year, bushfires ravage parts of Western Australia, resulting in loss of life and property, devastation to animals and habitat. The session will cover:
Key recommendations of the Bushfire Framework Review 2019
The State Government’s ‘Action Plan’ and key reform items
Matthew Reid, Partner, Jackson McDonald
3:00PM Networking and refreshment break
3:20PM WA Planning Reform – key insights and implications of the reforms to simplify the planning process
Session to provide a summary of WA’s planning system historic reform to help support COVID-19 economic recovery and streamline the planning system
Key reform items and amendments to planning legislation and regulations
Opportunities for Job-creating projects and increased flexibility for small businesses
Explanation of the new development application process
New Special Matters Development Assessment Panel for large projects
New Assessment Pathway for ‘Significant Developments’ in Part 17 of the Planning and Development Act 2005 (WA)
COVID-19 Update – WA Government seeks to have WAPC determine Planning Applications for Significant Projects and to automatically extend some subdivision approvals
Craig Wallace, Partner, Lavan
4:00PM Compliance, enforcement and prosecutions for environment and planning
What are remediation orders and determinations to repair?
What penalties and fines have increased?
How to mitigate risk of non-compliance and what is considered ‘practicable steps’ to eliminate risk
How to effectively defend environmental actions
Julius Skinner, Partner, Thomson Geer
4.40PM End of conference