Australias environmental landscape is set for a significant shift as the Labor government and Greens agree on sweeping reforms. These changes, expected to pass parliament, aim to bolster environmental protections while expediting approval processes for certain projects. A new National Environment Protection Agency will enforce environmental laws, with increased penalties for serious breaches. Major projects, excluding coal and gas, will enjoy streamlined approval, while companies must detail emissions and reduction plans. Native forest logging and high-risk land clearing will face stricter regulations, with a $300 million support package for the forestry industry. All new projects must demonstrate a net environmental gain and could be rejected for unacceptable impacts. Fossil fuel projects will now require federal approval for water usage, with detailed environmental standards to guide businesses.
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