Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Expanding the Water Trigger) 2023 [No. 2]

# Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Expanding the Water Trigger) 2023 ## What it does Right now, Australian environmental law only requires special approval for coal seam gas projects that might harm water resources. This bill expands that requirement to cover *all* types of unconventional gas development — including shale gas and tight gas — so they face the same water protection rules. ## Why it matters Unconventional gas extraction can affect groundwater and rivers, but currently only coal seam gas gets properly scrutinised for water damage. This change means more gas projects will need federal approval before they can proceed, giving communities and the government a better chance to assess water risks before mining starts. ## Key details - **What changes**: Any unconventional gas project (not just coal seam gas) now triggers mandatory assessment of impacts on water resources and threatened species - **When it starts**: The day after the bill gets Royal Assent — there's no delayed implementation period - **Who's affected**: Gas companies planning new unconventional gas projects, plus landholders and communities in areas where these projects might operate