CIGRE Australia presents Environmental Law Essentials. Reserve Your Seat for This Limited-Capacity Event!

Environmental law is no longer a background consideration, It is now central to how electricity projects are planned, approved, delivered and managed. With major transmission and infrastructure projects facing increasing scrutiny, this workshop will help attendees understand the legal risks, obligations and opportunities that shape environmental decision-making in Australia.

The session will connect environmental law to real project work, giving attendees practical insight into what to consider, what to address early, and where common pitfalls arise. It will also highlight key case law and lessons that can help project teams make better, more defensible decisions when planning and delivering works.

Numbers for this event are limited. Register now to secure your place.

Workshop Overview:

• How common law developed — from historic foundations to modern legal precedent
• How power is divided between the Commonwealth and the states under the Constitution
• How common law and statute law interact in environmental decision-making
• Planning law essentials — key considerations before works begin
• Biodiversity law — what project teams need to know
• Heritage law — obligations, approvals and project delivery considerations
• Pollution law — risks, responsibilities and practical implications

About The Presenter:

Brett Hayward is the CIGRE Australia C3 Power System Environmental Performance Panel Convenor and brings more than 25 years’ experience across the resources and electricity industries, supported by a Master of Environmental Law and a Bachelor of Environmental Science. He has a strong background in environmental assessment, planning and regulatory practice, with experience contributing to regulatory reform, including major changes to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 in 2024. Brett has also contributed to industry knowledge through published and accepted technical papers, including in the Environmental and Planning Law Journal, a 2023 EIS Technical Study, the CIGRE 2025 Trondheim Symposium, and co-author of two papers accepted for the CIGRE Paris 2026 Session.

NB: If you are employed by a Collective member organisation, please select the member-priced ticket and enter their Collective membership number during registration.