Fracking law delays have prompted calls for action.

The Greens have called for immediate government intervention in water resource protection amid delays in proposed environmental legislation. 

These delays, which could potentially extend to the next federal election, have triggered concerns about the health of Australian nature and the country's environment.

Last year, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek announced her intention to reform the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act in 2023, acknowledging the failures of the existing legislation in safeguarding the environment. 

However, recent statements indicate a prolonged timeline. 

Plibersek says that consultations with more than 30 environment, business, and industry groups regarding the new legislation will commence this month, with its introduction to Parliament postponed until the following year. 

The legislation is expected to span over 1,000 pages.

The Greens have now brought attention to the potential delay urging the government to fast-track the strengthening of the “water trigger”. 

This proposed change would ensure that local water resources are shielded from fracking activities, particularly in the Beetaloo Basin, where shale fracking projects are planned.

The “water trigger” compels the environment minister to assess the impact of large coal and coal seam gas projects on local water resources. 

Labor has pledged to extend this protection to all unconventional gas developments, a move supported by environmental groups, traditional landowners, and Northern Territory farmers.

Bills have been introduced by Greens and independents to address this issue, putting forth changes, which the government has indicated support for, to be swiftly passed with crossbench backing.

However, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has not directly responded to the call for immediate action. She welcomes bipartisan support to expedite the new laws through parliament in the coming year.

The Coalition's environment spokesman, Jonno Duniam, has criticised the delay, characterising it as an instance of governmental inefficiency and claiming that Ms Plibersek had focused on other priorities, such as the Indigenous Voice to parliament referendum.

The government's decision not to promise broad public consultation before introducing the new laws has raised concerns among environmental organisations, such as the Greens and the Wilderness Society. 

They fear that the absence of public consultations may provide an opportunity for vested interests to wield influence behind closed doors.