Climate change advisory groups
To ensure industry and other stakeholders are well-consulted in the delivery of our Climate Change Action Plan 2023–26, we have established Advisory Groups.
These groups will inform actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for and respond effectively to climate risks. These groups will be integral to the ongoing dialogue between industry, community, independent experts, the EPA, and other agencies on potential options, gaps, risks and opportunities, relevant to the sector.
Community and environment group
- Asela Atapattu (Chair), Acting Executive Director Strategy and Policy, NSW Environment Protection Authority
- William (Bill) Trewlynn, Co-Chair, Western Sydney Aboriginal Alliance
- Angela Frimberger, Government Relations Advisor, Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action
- Rana Koroglu, Senior Solicitor, Environmental Defenders Office
- Greg Bourne, Councillor, Climate Council
- Jeff Angel, Executive Director, Total Environment Centre
- Nic Clyde, Community Coordinator, Lock the Gate Alliance
- Piper Rollins, Climate Campaigner, Australian Conservation Foundation
Climate Change Community and Environment Advisory Group meetings
The Climate Change Community and Environment Advisory Group convened on 17 June 2025. This was an out-of-session meeting to discuss the EPA’s proposed Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Guide for NSW Coal Mines before it is released for public.
The group provided feedback on proposed fugitive emission reduction requirements including destroying methane in drainage gas, avoiding methane entering ventilation air and destroying ventilation air methane (VAM). Feedback from the group was also provided on proposed requirements for reducing diesel-related greenhouse gas emissions.
Exemptions and proposed expansions under the proposed GHG Mitigation Guide were discussed.
The next official CCCEAG meeting will take place in October 2025.
The Climate Change Community and Environment Advisory Group (CCCEAG) convened on 16 April 2025. The EPA advised that the Net Zero Commission has released a climate change policy paper for public consultation, with submissions closing on 11 July 2025. The EPA also noted that the NSW Parliament’s Inquiry into the 2024 Annual Report of the Net Zero Commission has concluded, and the final report is now publicly available.
The group discussed papers circulated on the EPA’s proposed Climate Change Requirements, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Plans (CCMAP): Mitigation requirements as well as the Independent Peer Review Panel for GHG Mitigation Guide for Coal Mines.
The next CCCEAG meeting will take place in October 2025.
At the introductory meeting of the Climate Change Community and Environment Advisory Group the EPA’s CEO, Tony Chappel welcomed the group members and outlined the EPA’s vision, purpose and function for the group.
The group was provided with updates on the submissions for the Climate Change Assessment Requirements and Guide for Large Emitters and the coal mine licence review public consultation, as well as an overview of proposed approach for non-road diesel requirements and the EPA’s thinking on climate change licensing requirements.
The EPA also provided an update on best practice guidance for coal mines and the proposed sequencing to develop it and consultation steps.
Members were given the opportunity to provide further written feedback on the papers to the meeting and the guide after the meeting.
The advisory group members provided feedback on both the approach and the content of the papers discussed, as well as suggestions for the EPA to meet with different organisations in other jurisdictions who are potentially doing similar work.
The next meeting is intended to be in the first half of 2025.
Mining group
- Asela Atapattu (Chair), Acting Executive Director Strategy and Policy, NSW Environment Protection Authority
- Tony Lees, Member, Trangie Local Aboriginal Land Council
- Steve Phillips, Committee Member, Hunter Community Environment Centre
- Dr. Jason Kirby, Group Leader of Contaminants and Mitigation, Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation
- Professor Eric Kennedy, School of Engineering (Chemical Engineering), University of Newcastle
- Damian Dwyer, Director of External Affairs, Low Emissions Technology Australia
- David Frith, Director of Policy, NSW Minerals Council
- Sandy Tickell, Group Manager Carbon Planning and Abatement, Glencore
- Russell Thomas, Technical Services Manager, GM3 Appin Mine
- Liam Wilson, Head of HSECT, Idemitsu
- Ross Polis, Global Head of Biodiversity and Climate, Newmont
- Tania Kiley, Manager Climate, Santos
Climate Change Mining Advisory Group meetings
The Climate Change Mining Advisory Group met on 16 June 2025. This was an out-of-session meeting to discuss the EPA’s proposed Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Guide for NSW Coal Mines before it is released for public consultation.
The group provided feedback on proposed fugitive emission reduction requirements including destroying methane in drainage gas, avoiding methane entering ventilation air and destroying ventilation air methane (VAM). The group also provided feedback on the proposed requirements for reducing diesel-related greenhouse gas emissions.
The next official CCMAG meeting will take place in October 2025.
The Climate Change Mining Advisory Group (CCMAG) convened on 15 April 2025. The EPA advised that the Net Zero Commission has released a climate change policy paper for public consultation, with submissions closing on 11 July 2025. The EPA also noted that the NSW Parliament’s Inquiry into the 2024 Annual Report of the Net Zero Commission has concluded, and the final report is now publicly available.
The group welcomed a new member, Russell Thomas from GM3 Appin Mine.
The group discussed papers circulated on the EPA’s proposed Climate Change Requirements, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Plans (CCMAP): Mitigation requirements as well as the Independent Peer Review Panel for the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Guide for Coal Mines.
The next CCMAG meeting will take place in October 2025.
The Climate Change Mining Advisory Group (CCMAG) convened on Tuesday 5 November. Asela Atapattu introduced the newest member to the group, Dr Jason Kirby Senior Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO.
The Science and Insights Division from the DCCEEW presented details of the State’s greenhouse gas emissions projections and inventory.
The group was provided with updates on the submissions for the Climate Change Assessment Requirements and Guide for Large Emitters and the coal mine licence review public consultation, as well as an overview of proposed approach for non-road diesel requirements and the EPA’s early thinking on climate change licensing requirements.
Members discussed the proposed actions including timings, state vs national frameworks and data requirements.
As the CCMAG was unable to address all agenda items during the 5 November meeting, the group reconvened on 25 November 2024 to continue discussions on climate change licensing requirements and the development of greenhouse gas mitigation guidance for coal mines.
At the meeting of the Climate Change Mining Advisory Group the EPA’s Executive Director, Strategy and Policy, Nancy Chang welcomed the group members including new members.
The EPA provided an update on the Licensee Climate Change Survey and gave a tour of the dashboard and key findings for the mining sector. This will dashboard be published on the EPA website soon. It was made clear individual facility data is not identifiable and cannot be traced back to a specific facility.
Members and EPA staff discussed the proposed work plan for the advisory group, including content, timings and sequencing.
The group also discussed feedback from members on the EPA’s draft Climate Change Assessment Requirements for Large Emitters and GHG assessment Guide, which was on consultation at the time. Executive Director Strategy and Policy, Nancy Chang said the EPA is looking forward to receiving formal submissions for the guide.
The EPA will facilitate a meeting with the Science and Insights Division from the DCCEEW to ensure the group understands the State’s emissions projections and inventory.
The Climate Change Mining Advisory Group (CCMAG) convened on 16 May 2024. This was an out-of-session meeting to discuss the EPA’s draft Climate Change Assessment Requirements for Large Emitters and Greenhouse Gas Assessment Guide.
The group provided some recommendations on the proposed consultation process.
The next CCMAG meeting is scheduled for June 2024.
At the introductory meeting of the Climate Change Mining Advisory Group the EPA’s CEO, Tony Chappel welcomed the group members and outlined the EPA’s vision for the group.
The EPA provided an overview of the EPA Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, as well as the EPA’s recent climate change survey and preliminary findings from the mining sector.
The EPA outlined that preliminary results from its recent climate change survey show there is significant scope to work with our licensees to improve their management of climate change matters. The EPA is still reviewing results and will be releasing these early next year.
Executive Director Strategy and Policy, Nancy Chang said the EPA is looking forward to collaborating and sharing knowledge with the members to get the settings right as the EPA implements its climate change action plan.
“We’ll be seeking advice from the group members as we develop a practical policy for reducing, monitoring and reporting on greenhouse gas emissions.
“The EPA is working closely with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions and this group will form an important part of the conversation, providing on-ground advice and insights.”
The next group meeting is intended for February 2024.
Agriculture group
- Asela Atapattu (Co-Chair), Acting Executive Director Strategy and Policy, NSW Environment Protection Authority
- Jason Crean (Co-Chair), Group Director, Climate & Natural Resources, Agriculture and Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Tony Lees, Member, Trangie Local Aboriginal Land Council
- Oscar Pearse, Member, Farmers for Climate Action
- Professor Benjamin Smith, Network Lead, Land and Primary Industries Network, NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub
- Nick Savage, Policy Director – Environment, NSW Farmers
- Carissa Wolfe, Board Member – Farmer Director, Dairy NSW
- Megan Hill, Policy Manager – Environment and Sustainability, Australian Pork Limited
- Lachlan Turley, Manager – Sustainability & Industry Standards, Australian Meat Industry Council
- Steven Fox, Board Member, Australian Livestock Markets Association
- Michael Lancaster, General Manager Policy & Biosecurity, Australian Lot Feeders Association
Climate Change Agriculture Advisory Group Meetings
The Climate Change Agriculture Advisory Group (CCAAG) convened on Thursday 17 April 2025. The group received updates on the NSW Land and Primary Industries Emissions Reduction Roadmap, the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), and the work of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) Vulnerability Assessment team.
The EPA advised that the Net Zero Commission has released a climate change policy paper for public consultation, with submissions closing on 11 July 2025. The EPA also noted that the NSW Parliament’s Inquiry into the 2024 Annual Report of the Net Zero Commission has concluded, and the final report is now publicly available.
The group discussed papers circulated by the EPA on proposed future climate change requirements, climate change mitigation and adaptation plans and supporting fact sheets. These proposals help deliver on commitments in the EPA’s Climate Change Action Plan 2023–2026, setting out a pathway for EPA licensees to support the achievement of New South Wales’s net-zero emissions targets.
The EPA indicated that public consultation on the proposed requirements is planned for mid-2025.
The next CCAAG meeting will take place in October 2025.
The Climate Change Agriculture Advisory Group (CCAAG) convened on Thursday 20 February 2025. The group received updates on the EPA’s recent climate change initiatives and DPIRD’s progress on key climate-related projects. The waste regulatory framework, the potential of biochar as a net zero solution for the land sector and the latest Regional Climate Projections for Impact Adaptation in NSW and Australia were also discussed.
The EPA provided updates on its recent climate change work, including the publication of the large emitters guide in January 2025, which features an information sheet for the agriculture sector. The EPA advised that the newly established EPA Climate Change Community and Environment Advisory Group held its inaugural meeting in November 2024.
DPIRD updated the group on the NSW Land and Primary Industries Emission Reduction Roadmap. The roadmap, which is currently under technical review, focuses on identifying emissions abatement opportunities across various agricultural sectors, including livestock, cropping, and horticulture.
DPIRD also highlighted their involvement in the Net Zero Emissions Agriculture CRC. An initial project focuses on developing a national standard for greenhouse gas accounting in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. This three-year project is being conducted in collaboration with the Commonwealth DCCEEW and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
The group discussed the waste management framework, with a focus on the NSW Waste and Resource Recovery Policy and Regulatory Framework. EPA staff presented the common pathways for managing agricultural waste, including onsite management, using waste as an input for other facilities, and land application off-site. The Independent Review of the NSW Resource Recovery Framework, conducted by Dr. Cathy Wilkinson, was also discussed, including the 22 recommendations made for improving the system.
The NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub presented on biochar as a potential net-zero solution for the agricultural sector. Challenges related to the establishment of a biochar industry in NSW, particularly regulatory barriers, were highlighted.
Lastly, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water presented on the NSW and Australian Regional Climate Modelling (NARCliM2.0), which highlighted the latest climate projections for NSW and Australia, including projected temperature and precipitation changes by 2050 and 2090.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to meet out-of-session with the EPA to continue discussions on the waste regulatory framework.
The next CCAAG meeting will take place in April 2025.
The Climate Change Agriculture Advisory Group (CCAAG) convened on Tuesday 13 August. The group was provided with updates on the progress of the EPA’s Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, DPIRD’s Climate Vulnerability Assessment and the draft Climate Change Assessment Requirements and Guide for Large Emitters.
Nancy Chang (EPA) provided an update on the establishment of the NSW Net Zero Commission. The commission must consult with the Agriculture Commissioner ahead of delivering its first annual report on NSW’s progress towards targets and adaptation objectives in November. The Climate Change Outcomes Network was also discussed. This whole-of-government committee has been established to ensure strategic and cohesive climate actions across NSW Government departments.
Dr. Jason Crean (DPIRD) briefed the group on developments within DPIRD, including the Department’s transition to include new leadership roles and structural changes. Jason updated the CCAAG on the launch of the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), the largest in Australia with 72 partners and a $300 million investment. The group also discussed the upcoming publication of the Australian Sustainability Reporting System, which will mandate climate-related financial disclosures starting January 2025 for large entities.
DPIRD presented their Climate Vulnerability Assessment. The group discussed the use of GHG scenarios in DPIRD’s vulnerability assessments. Members emphasised the need for modelling for different emissions scenarios, while acknowledging the importance of aiming for lower emissions scenarios.
The EPA provided a summary of the feedback received on the draft Climate Change Assessment Requirements and Guide for Large Emitters.
The CCAAG will reconvene in early 2025. Members were encouraged to propose agenda items and suggest any additional stakeholders that should be engaged in future discussions.
At the meeting of the Climate Change Agriculture Advisory Group the EPA’s Executive Director, Strategy and Policy, Nancy Chang welcomed the group members.
The Co-Chairs, Nancy Chang (EPA) and Kate Lorimer-Ward (DPI) provided an update on both the EPA Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, and the NSW Government’s Climate Change approach.
The EPA outlined the recent climate change survey and results specific to the agricultural sector. Members were taken through a preview version of the online survey dashboard which explains the results of the survey and will be available on the EPA’s website early this year.
A discussion was had with Members regarding a proposed work plan for the group, and what needs to be included in future meetings. A work plan for the group will be drafted and circulated to members for comment.
Executive Director Strategy and Policy, Nancy Chang noted the EPA is looking forward to further collaboration and knowledge sharing with the Members as the EPA implements its climate change action plan.
The next group meeting is intended for June 2024.
At the introductory meeting of the Climate Change Agriculture Advisory Group the EPA’s CEO, Tony Chappel welcomed the group members and outlined the EPA’s vision, purpose and function for the group.
The EPA provided an overview of the EPA Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, which is structured around 3 pillars: inform & plan, mitigate, and adapt.
The EPA outlined preliminary findings from the agriculture sector from its recent climate change survey. This shows there is significant scope to work with our licensees across the agricultural sector to improve their management of climate change matters. The EPA noted it is still reviewing results and will present to the group further on this and intends to release results on its website early next year.
The Group will be Co-Chaired by the EPA, Executive Director Strategy and Policy Nancy Chang and NSW Department of Primary Industries, Deputy Director General, Kate Lorimer-Ward. This provides a joined-up voice into and across government.
EPA Executive Director Strategy and Policy Nancy Chang said the agricultural sector is very diverse and working with the members of this group will provide important insights.
“At the meeting members discussed the methods for adaption, noting that emissions, risks and impacts will be different across the sectors within agriculture. This included the need to understand where emissions are coming from and where they can be reduced.
“The meeting agreed that the inform and plan stage was a good place to start on the action plan, to gather information and evidence to inform the path forward.
“The group discussed the need to consider influences outside the agricultural sector, including at the state and federal level and across other industries.
“The group also discussed the scale of the agricultural sector and how agriculture businesses and the broader community could be supported and brought on the journey to engage in the material to reduce climate risks, without undue burden.”
The next meeting is intended to be in February 2024.