The Smart Energy Council cautiously welcomes the Federal Government’s changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), and its focus on accelerating renewable energy approvals so Australia can meet its renewable energy and emissions targets.

Smart Energy Council CEO John Grimes warned that Australia risks falling short of its national energy and climate goals, without ensuring that timely approvals for renewable energy projects are addressed.

“Australia needs to build around 6 gigawatts of large-scale renewable generation each year to replace ageing coal-fired power stations. Last year, only 2 gigawatts were commissioned. We are already significantly behind schedule,” Mr Grimes said.

“The Government’s Net Zero Plan clearly identifies that streamlining approvals for renewable energy projects is crucial to achieving newly set emission reduction targets.”

“We look forward to further examining this bill to see if it achieves the ambition that the government has set for itself.”

“Delays in environmental approvals for renewable projects are holding back billions of dollars of investment and threatening our 82% renewable energy target.”

Mr Grimes says industry stands ready to work with the Government and the Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, to ensure these reforms are future ready for nature and renewable energy.

“We are in a race against time. Every month of delay pushes us further from achieving energy security, emissions reduction and lower power bills.”

Read the full release on Introduction of Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 here

Media contact: Tim Lamacraft – tim@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192