DEA welcomes the development of new climate change environmental quality objectives, guidelines, and policy by the NSW EPA, in recognition of its duty under the POEA act. We would like to acknowledge, and believe that the EPA should also acknowledge, the important public service done by the group Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action in establishing the legal basis and requirement of this duty as set out in the judgement Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action Incorporated v Environment Protection Authority [2021] NSWLEC 92.
The NSW EPA now has a clear requirement and opportunity to be more active in the area of climate change.