Key Environmental Compliance Updates

Written By Catherine Cooper

For Mining, Construction, Schools, and Government Organisations in NSW

Environmental regulations in New South Wales (NSW) continue to evolve, impacting key industries such as mining, construction, education, and government organisations. Keeping up with these updates is crucial for businesses and institutions to maintain compliance, mitigate risks, and operate sustainably.

New Asbestos Disposal and Waste Management Regulations for Construction & Government Infrastructure

The recent asbestos-contaminated mulch crisis in Sydney has triggered a renewed focus on asbestos disposal regulations across NSW. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is reviewing stricter waste handling and disposal requirements, particularly for demolition and excavation projects in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Key takeaways for construction firms and government organisations managing infrastructure projects:

  • Expect stricter monitoring and compliance requirements for handling, transporting, and disposing of asbestos-containing materials.

  • Large-scale government-funded projects will likely face increased reporting obligations to ensure compliance with asbestos waste management protocols.

  • Environmental consultants will play a critical role in asbestos risk assessments and developing best-practice mitigation strategies for project sites.

Sustainability and Waste Management Compliance for Schools & Public Institutions

The NSW government has mandated the rollout of Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bins, with schools, universities, and public institutions expected to comply by July 2026. The initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and improve organic waste management practices.

Educational institutions and government-run facilities must prepare for:

  • The implementation of FOGO bins for food and garden waste management.

  • Staff training and student engagement programs to promote waste separation and contamination prevention.

  • Partnerships with waste management and environmental consultants to develop tailored sustainability action plans.

With the NSW landfill crisis looming, organisations that fail to adopt sustainable waste solutions could face higher disposal costs and potential non-compliance penalties.

New Environmental Impact and Biodiversity Offsetting Rules for Mining & Construction Projects

The approval of several large-scale wind farm projects in NSW has set a precedent for stricter biodiversity impact assessments and offsetting requirements, critical considerations for mining and construction projects.

Key compliance updates for mining and infrastructure developers:

  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) must now consider cumulative impacts on endangered species and ecosystems.

  • Biodiversity offset obligations have increased, requiring companies to compensate for habitat destruction through enhanced conservation measures.

  • Mining and construction firms will need to work with environmental consultants to ensure they meet evolving EPA and biodiversity offset requirements before project approvals.

How Environmental Consultants Such as Lomandra Can Support Compliance in These Sectors

With these changes, environmental consultants play a vital role in helping mining, construction, schools, and government organisations:
✔ Conduct site assessments and ensure compliance with asbestos disposal regulations.
✔ Develop waste management and sustainability plans for schools and public institutions.
✔ Assist in biodiversity assessments and offset strategies for major development projects.
✔ Provide training and compliance monitoring to prevent environmental breaches.

Stay Ahead of NSW’s changing environmental regulations. Contact us today!

 
Catherine Cooper