November
How Labor’s environment law deal was done
Anthony Albanese wanted a breakthrough in securing much-overdue environmental reform – and that moment arrived on Wednesday afternoon.
Business left disappointed by Labor’s environment deal with Greens
New coal and gas projects, farmers and forestry were the big losers from Labor’s overhaul of federal laws that passed with the support of the minor party.
September
‘Serious’ native title concerns over Rinehart iron ore project
Native titleholders in the Pilbara are yet to consent to a new mine project by Hancock Prospecting after the “remarkable discovery” of a 45,000-year-old cave.
July
Sale flyer for $2.5b Sydney Desal hits inboxes
Dealmakers, get a pot of coffee brewing. Barrenjoey has dropped news details for the sale of Sydney Desalination Plant.
Why Sydney Water wants to increase bills by a third to $1491 a year
The water utility warns that without a 32 per cent bill hike Sydney will get fewer new houses and a greater risk of having to boil water.
June
Pemba-backed water advisory biz Sequana makes waves with two bolt-ons
Sequana has snapped up brownfield water and wastewater specialist Atlas Engineering Group and Brisbane-based engineering and construction delivery firm IPS.
April
Westpac and CBA face green ire over $500m loan to salmon farmers
High-profile environmentalists Richard Flanagan and Geoff Cousins say the major lenders are being misleading by describing the financing as “sustainable”.
Major water rights fund investors consider turfing management
Ed Peter, the former head of Deutsche Asset Management in Asia, will also step down as chairman of the $290 million Duxton Water after the vote.
March
Santos Barossa delay feared as politics envelops gas
The deferral of a ruling on the North West Shelf venture has stoked fears that other gas projects will also fall victim to the fractious politics around the fossil fuel.
Massive gas drilling program approved in Bass Strait
ConocoPhillips’ junior partner in the venture said it was “very unusual to see a drilling program of this size”.
February
Parched Port Lincoln fears rescue plan risks million-dollar industry
Everyone agrees the SA fishing hub needs a desal plant but horrified locals believe saline water pumped from the facility could ruin the clean Spencer Gulf.
Australia’s healthiest places to live (How does your suburb compare?)
A new study looking at the nation’s healthiest cities has turned up some surprising results. Use our interactive map to discover where your suburb is ranked.
November 2024
Moody’s downgrades Macquarie’s UK water company to junk
The ratings agency said Southern Water’s poor performance made it especially vulnerable to political, regulatory and financial pressures on the wider sector.
October 2024
Offshore wind ambitions in disarray as key players walk
Moves by Origin Energy and Norway’s Equinor have exposed big doubts about offshore wind developing anywhere in NSW, given high costs that are only modestly lower than for large nuclear plants.
September 2024
Mining, infra water services provider Vysarn raising to fund M&A
Vysarn would pay $24 million cash and 10 million of its own shares upfront, with another 30 million shares due down the line if CMP hits EBITDA-related targets.
Pemba Capital makes a splash with Sequana
The mid-market private equity shop has taken a majority stake in water advisory business Sequana, marking the firm’s fourth investment this calendar year
July 2024
Macquarie-owned water company faces $103m fine
Britain’s water regulator said Southern Water is too heavily geared, and must pay a fine if it doesn’t improve its “inadequate” business plan.
February 2024
BHP poised to strike mega water deal, turbocharging copper mining
A desalination plant agreement with the South Australian government would come as the miner grows more confident of boosting production at nearby operations.
January 2024
King moves to remove ‘ambiguity’ in offshore gas approvals
The gas industry wants changes to regulations on consultation for offshore projects to prevent them being manipulated and delayed by green activists.
Teals back Plibersek, urge Vic to find alternative to Port of Hastings
Teal MP Zoe Daniel says Victoria should consider alternatives in Geelong and Tasmania that would have less environment impact than the Port of Hastings.