The federal government’s EBPC Act approvals process is failing renewable energy projects, with another report showing that no projects sent into the queue in 2023 or 2024 have been approved.
In 2023 and 2024, a total of 76 renewable energy projects (27 in 2023 and 49 in 2024) were classified as EPBC controlled actions, but none have received federal approval as of early August.
The data, covering Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria from 2018 to 2024, highlights ongoing delays in the EPBC Act approvals process, confirming previous findings that the Act is doubling project timelines.
The EPBC Act aligned with international treaties, faces widespread criticism for its complexity, delays, costs, and failure to deliver effective environmental protection despite multiple statutory reviews over 25 years.
Environment Minister Murray Watt has committed to completing repackaged EPBC reforms within 18 months, but recent statements from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water suggest this timeline is slipping.
In late 2024, the Clean Energy Investor Group called for quick reforms including better alignment of state and federal assessments, clearer information requests, increased departmental capacity, and standardised environmental conditions to reduce bottlenecks.
In May 2025, a coalition of clean energy groups, environmental organizations, and unions urged Minister Watt to accelerate reforms, advocating for streamlined approvals to meet both federal and state requirements simultaneously.
In August 2025, the Productivity Commission stated the EPBC Act lacks clear and enforceable environmental standards, which contributes to lengthy project delays and contentious decisions.
Attempts to implement comprehensive reforms to the EPBC Act, including creating a national environmental regulator and enforceable standards, have faced repeated delays or blocks.
This is despite broad consensus that the Act is a major obstacle to renewable energy growth due to political and stakeholder opposition.