The iconic Murray Darling Basin is in strife. Climate breakdown, politics, industry and agriculture have left this incredible river system one of the most vulnerable water basins on the planet. Now, the federal and Victorian state governments plan to “reengineer” nine...
As landclearing skyrockets in the NT, unique savanna woodlands need protection
The Northern Territory is unique for many reasons, not least because of its spectacular natural environment – from free-flowing rivers, waterfalls and desert landscapes to plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. Amongst these spectacular natural...
That’s a wrap! WOTCH in court
Our mammoth three weeks in court representing Wildlife of the Central Highlands (WOTCH) has wrapped! We are so grateful for everyone’s support. To everyone who chipped in a donation, shared our posts on social media or followed the case live: thank you for backing...
Federal court rules on Possums Appeal
In May 2021, the full bench of the Federal Court overturned the landmark win in the case to protect the critically endangered Leadbeater's Possum and vulnerable Greater Glider from logging. The appeal was won on a single ground - that logging has a wide exemption...
Representing community opposing a mineral sands mine in East Gippsland
More than four years after the Minister for Planning first required an Environment Effects Statement (EES) be prepared for the Fingerboards mineral sands mine proposed in East Gippsland, Victoria, the public hearings to consider the proposal are about to commence. An...
VicForests’ appeal hearing for the Possums Case
VicForests’ appeal hearing has wrapped up! After three days in the Federal Court in Sydney, our legal team are heading home to await the outcome of the appeal. The team arrived at the steps of the Federal Court in Sydney on Monday and were greeted by supporters like...
We’re back in court to defend vital possum habitat
The case to protect possums from logging has been running for over three years. And after an incredible win for threatened possums, we’re heading back to court on April 12 to defend vital possum habitat once more. In May 2020, Justice Mortimer found that 66 of...
Crib Point gas terminal rejected over environmental concerns
This week, the Minister for Planning rejected AGL’s proposed Crib Point gas import terminal, saying it would result in “unacceptable environmental effects” to the internationally significant Westernport Bay. This is a huge win for the community who have been...
Hearing to protect Toondah Harbour
On March 11, EJA was in court on behalf of the Australian Conservation Foundation seeking the release of documents, which recorded meetings between the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and the Walker Group. The Walker Group sought to build a...
Rare win for last coastal bush in Chelsea
In November 2016, a developer purchased a block of land in Chelsea and lodged an application to clear all native vegetation for fourteen two-storey townhouses. After a four-year effort by the Friends of Dents Paddock alliance the native coastal vegetation land was...
Opening statement to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Ecosystem Decline
On Thursday 12 March, Senior EJA Lawyer Bruce Lindsay gave evidence at the Parliamentary Inquiry into Ecosystem Decline. The Committee heard from scientists, experts and communities of the deteriorating state of Victoria’s ecosystems. Read Bruce’s opening statement...
Supporting affected communities against mineral sands mining in East Gippsland
EJA is currently acting for Mine-free Glenaladale, a community group opposing the Fingerboards mineral sands mine in East Gippsland, Victoria. Mine-free Glenaladale is a volunteer-based group, representing residents, landowners and members of the community (local and...
Statement in support of the Rights of Nature
Environmental Justice Australia supports the legal precedent of the Rights of Nature. In 2008, Ecuador became the first country in the world to codify the Rights of Nature in constitutional law. In October 2020, the Rights of Nature law was tested in the...
A huge thank you from our forests
We have been blown away by the incredible support from over 1,000 generous supporters to defend possums against VicForests Appeal. Together, we have raised over $70,000 to fight this appeal against our landmark win in the federal court for our clients, Friends of...
VicForests to appeal landmark Federal Court win for threatened possums
VicForests to appeal landmark Federal Court win for threatened possums VicForests last week lodged an appeal with the Federal Court over the landmark decision in the Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum case that has stopped...
AGL gas import terminal proposed at Crib Point, Westernport Bay
EJA is acting for several environment and resident groups opposing the AGL/APA gas import terminal and pipeline project proposed to be built at Crib Point, Westernport Bay, Victoria. Westernport Bay is recognised as a wetland of international importance under the...
Final orders in our historic Federal Court win
The mammoth David and Goliath battle which first began in 2017 has finally reached its conclusion. In August 2020, The Federal Court delivered final orders for our historic win for Friends of the Leadbeater’s Possum that protects the forests subject to the case from...
With the Great Barrier Reef on the brink, Australia’s climate policy is adrift at sea
- Noni Austin, Staff Attorney, Earth Justice The World Heritage Committee should encourage Australia to take meaningful action to protect this ocean treasure. Oceans are essential to human life. Not only do billions of people depend on them for food and livelihoods,...