Updates
Problematic plans to flood Hazelwood mine pit to be scrutinised
The federal government has agreed Engie’s plans to take billions of litres of river water to flood the old Hazelwood coal mine will be scrutinised under federal law. This is a huge win for the community and environment, and for every person who took the time to make...
An update on Delta’s plans to mine more coal
Thanks to the community raising its voice, Delta Coal’s plan to mine more coal will undergo thorough scrutiny by the NSW Independent Planning Commission! Last month, we asked you to make a submission on Delta Coal’s proposal to expand its Lake Macquarie mine, keeping...
Update: Hearing on Murray River wetland artificial engineering projects
EJA senior specialist lawyer and ecosystem team lead, Ellen Maybery, has spent the past few weeks appearing at a hearing about the Victorian government’s plans to artificially engineer the Murray River at two key wetlands. Representing Environment Victoria , EJA...
Frequently asked questions: Delta Coal’s Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation
Until Friday, 16th December you can make a submission on Delta Coal’s plans to consolidate two of their mines at Lake Macquarie, which would produce another 9.5 MILLION tonnes of coal. EJA is making a submission on behalf of our client, the Nature Conservation Council...
It’s time to get our new environment laws right
ELLEN MAYBERYEJA SENIOR SPECIALIST LAWYER AND ECOSYSTEMS LEADWe don’t often have the opportunity to completely overhaul our national environment laws. As environmental lawyers, we know just how urgently it’s needed. Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has...
Have your say: Murray River floodplains
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...
Two landmark court wins for our forests in two weeks
The Supreme Court of Victoria has handed down two landmark judgments, both finding state-owned logging agency VicForests has logged illegally. In a win for forests and community, both judgments will require VicForests to survey for and protect threatened species. In...
Living Wonders legal intervention update
Have you heard the news? Minister Plibersek has just announced she has accepted our client's game changing climate legal intervention as valid, and will reconsider 18 coal and gas proposals currently awaiting federal approval. This is huge! Back in July, on behalf of...
The Victorian government’s First Nations water justice plan takes steps forward but has a glaring omission
For thousands of years Aboriginal peoples have understood and supported natural water regimes and their ecological importance. The imposition of the western legal system created numerous barriers to the ongoing custodial relationship with water and waterways. Across...
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...
“This is why we need climate justice”: What led Jacob to the environment movement
My name is Jacob, the Aboriginal Engagement Officer at Environmental Justice Australia. I will be writing a series of blog posts throughout my time here as I aim to tell my story and also discuss some interesting topics in regard to my work and involvement in...
Reflections on the #CoalPollutionCase
Reflections on the Coal Pollution Case from Senior Lawyer Charley Brumby-Rendell. Last week, I sat in the Supreme Court for three long days, alongside our small but mighty legal team and client. Before the judge’s vast, carved wooden bench, we made our arguments – for...