AEGN

Land & biodiversity

The health of Australia’s environment is poor and deteriorating. Pressures from habitat destruction, invasive species, industry and development are amplifying one another and being compounded by climate change. We need robust laws and urgent action to protect and restore nature.  

EPBC Act reforms  

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is Australia’s key national environmental law, regulating activities that are likely to have a significant impact on key environmental values, including threatened species and communities, heritage areas, Ramsar wetlands, migratory species and water resources. 

The 20-year review of the EPBC Act (the Samuel Review) found that the law is not fit for purpose – almost all biodiversity indictors have gone backwards since the Act was introduced.  The government has committed to broad scale reforms to better protect Australia’s environment.   

What’s been happening?
What’s coming up?

What is the AEGN doing?
  • Helping to connect members with eNGOs working to address the nature crisis, and identify where funding is needed to support advocacy efforts (urgent or long term)  
  • Working with Places You Love Alliance members and First Nations organisations to identify ways to support and amplify their lobbying activities
  • Making submissions to the EPBC reform process (read our most recent submissions here) and discussing advocacy options with members
  • Hosting expert briefings on EPBC reforms as targeted consultation continues (watch recordings of the briefings: #1 ; #2, #3, #4 and #5)
  • Arranging a delegation of AEGN members to meet with the Environment Minister and other MPs to call for strong environmental laws and action on climate change  

What can AEGN members do?

Nature positive outcomes  

The Australian government has released its Nature Positive Plan and signed on to the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework nature positive goals and 30% by 2030 targets for reservation of land and water.  Much more is needed to achieve the stated aims of a nature positive approach to biodiversity management. 

What’s been happening?

What’s coming up?

What is the AEGN doing?
  • Helping to connect members with eNGOs working to address the nature crisis, and identify where funding is needed to support advocacy efforts (urgent or long term)  
  • Working with Places You Love Alliance members, eNGOs and First Nations organisations to identify ways to support and amplify their lobbying activities
  • Making submissions on the revised Nature Strategy, draft OECM Framework, and 30×30 Roadmap
  • Updating members on Taskforce for Nature-related financial disclosures and climate reporting obligations   
  • Calling for increased government funding and collaboration to build the National Reserve System and meet 30 x 30 targets 

What can AEGN members do?

Forest conservation & vegetation clearing

Forests are critical to biodiversity, erosion prevention, soil conservation, water filtration, and the carbon cycle. Across Australia, forests are at risk of destruction from commercial logging, clearing for urban and industrial expansion, tourism and fuel reduction burns. Calls for robust vegetation clearance laws and an end to native forest logging are intensifying as forest resources are depleted.  

What’s been happening?

What’s coming up?
  • Throughout 2024 – targeted consultation on draft new national environment laws and national standards, including for forestry operations   
  • 26 March 2025 – Senate Inquiry into Extinction final report released 
What is the AEGN doing?
  • Supporting members to advocate for an end to native forest logging
  • Continuing to ensure we use sustainable resources for AEGN operations and events
  • Updating members on campaigns and advocacy opportunities  

What can AEGN members do?

Background resources


Organisations working on this issue 

Useful government contacts  

Become a member

It’s been exciting to see the growth in sophistication of how the AEGN operates. For the benefit of all.

Hayley Morris, Morris Family Foundation