Overview
This unit provides an overview of environmental governance in Australia in a frame that integrates sustainability and climate change. Environmental law operates at multiple scales and is shaped by multiple geopolitical and social forces. First, we consider the regulatory framework, including relevant international law and the role of the Commonwealth and State Governments in responding to human impacts on the environment and biodiversity protection. We then move to consider environmental law and protection as subject to ongoing contestation and multiple dimensions of uncertainty. This includes conflict between environmental law rights which are in the public domain and landowners' property and contractual rights in relation to land, and public advocacy and litigation aimed at protecting the environment. Discussion points include the process of environmental impact assessment, climate change law, and regulatory reform.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: 24 credit points of law units including LAWS11057.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 3 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student feedback
Assessments need to be clearly relevant to practice.
The unit should be reviewed to identify opportunities to highlight and introduce practical applications.
Feedback from Student feedback.
Some students struggle to understand what is required in the assessments.
The support for assessments should be reviewed to provide greater scaffolding.
- Describe the basic structure, institutions, key functions and processes of the Australian legal systems within which environmental law operates.
- Analyse major topics and key issues such as environmental property rights, access to and management of the environment, environmental protection measures and environmental litigation with reference to the relevant sources of legal authority..
- Identify and respond to the types of legal problems and issues likely to be embedded in commonly encountered environment-related activities.
- Explain the environmental law litigation process and alternative dispute resolution procedures.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 25% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 25% | ||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
Environmental Law n Australia
Edition: 11th
Authors: Gerry Bates
Lexis
ISBN: 9780409357097
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom capacity (web cam and microphone)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Australian Guide to Legal Citation, 4th ed
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
m.c.dunlop@cqu.edu.au
n.corbett-jarvis@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Environmental Law
Chapter
Gerry Bates, Environmental Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 11th ed, 2023) Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Environmental Law in Legal Context
Chapter
Gerry Bates, Environmental Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 11th ed, 2023) Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Environment Protection and Common Law
Chapter
Gerry Bates, Environmental Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 11th ed, 2023) Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
International Law and Federal Governance
Chapter
Gerry Bates, Environmental Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 11th ed, 2023) Chapters 1-2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Environmental Legislation/Ecologically Sustainable Development
Chapter
Gerry Bates, Environmental Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 11th ed, 2023) Chapter 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Strategic Environmental Development and Assessment
Chapter
Gerry Bates, Environmental Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 11th ed, 2023), Chapters 5-6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Climate change and the creation of carbon markets
Chapter
Gerry Bates, Environmental Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 11th ed, 2023) Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Biodiversity in the context of land ownership and development
Chapter
Gerry Bates, Environmental Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 11th ed, 2023), Chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Environmental Litigation – Civil
Chapter
Gerry Bates, Environmental Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 11th ed, 2023) Chapter 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Environmental Litigation – Criminal
Chapter
Gerry Bates, Environmental Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 11th ed, 2023) Chapter 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Challenging Environmental Decision-making/ADR
Chapter
Gerry Bates, Environmental Law in Australia (LexisNexis Butterworths, 11th ed, 2023) Chapter 13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Review
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
Overview of the objectives for this exercise
This assessment is made up of a number of tasks. You are required to undertake research and report on a number of environmental legal issues.
Full details of the assessment will be provided on the Moodle site early in the term.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. The use of AI tools or technology is prohibited in the completion of this assignment (level 1). You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content in any manner. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Extensions of more than 14 days are not available for this assessment. Due to the need to provide prompt feedback to students and the content of feedback provided, submissions received after the assessment has been returned to students cannot be accepted for academic integrity reasons. Students seeking extensions beyond this timeframe will be required to undertake a different version of the assessment task.
Week 4 Friday (5 Dec 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Times given are Qld time. Students in other States must adjust for their time zone.
Week 7 Monday (5 Jan 2026)
Students are assessed on their ability to demonstrate thinking and writing skills, to comprehend the material, to process the material and to provide a critical analysis and logical discussion of the law.
The following criteria will be relevant to the written assessment:
- Knowledge of law, especially core concepts
- Effectiveness of research and study of the unit in acquiring such knowledge
- Correctness of referencing to the standard required by the assessment
- Analysis and critical thinking, including application of law to facts and/or projecting possible fact scenarios arising from the law
- Logical and coherent presentation of arguments/analysis with appropriate structure
- Attention to the requirements of the question, including addressing the questions as specified and avoiding irrelevant diversions or regurgitation of law without any connection with the question or the analysis
- Presenting the paper in a professional manner
- Describe the basic structure, institutions, key functions and processes of the Australian legal systems within which environmental law operates.
- Analyse major topics and key issues such as environmental property rights, access to and management of the environment, environmental protection measures and environmental litigation with reference to the relevant sources of legal authority..
- Identify and respond to the types of legal problems and issues likely to be embedded in commonly encountered environment-related activities.
- Explain the environmental law litigation process and alternative dispute resolution procedures.
2 Written Assessment
Overview of the objectives for this exercise
You are required to consider the development application material for a project in Queensland and answer questions to demonstrate your understanding of the relevant development and environmental assessment regulatory framework.
Full details of the tasks will be provided on the Moodle site early in the term.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. The use of AI tools or technology is prohibited in the completion of this assignment (level 1). You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content in any manner. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Extensions of more than 14 days are not available for this assessment. Due to the need to provide prompt feedback to students and the content of feedback provided, submissions received after the assessment has been returned to students cannot be accepted for academic integrity reasons. Students seeking extensions beyond this timeframe will be required to undertake a different version of the assessment task.
Week 7 Friday (9 Jan 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Times given are Qld time. Students in other States must adjust for their time zone.
Week 10 Friday (30 Jan 2026)
Students will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate thinking and writing skills, to comprehend the material, to process the material and to provide a critical analysis and logical discussion of the law.
The following criteria will be relevant to the written assessment:
- Knowledge of law, especially core concepts
- Effectiveness of research and study of the unit in acquiring such knowledge
- Correctness of referencing to the standard required by the assessment
- Analysis and critical thinking, including application of law to facts and/or projecting possible fact scenarios arising from the law
- Logical and coherent presentation of arguments/analysis with appropriate structure
- Attention to the requirements of the question, including addressing the questions as specified and avoiding irrelevant diversions or regurgitation of law without any connection with the question or the analysis.
- Presenting the paper in a professional manner
- Describe the basic structure, institutions, key functions and processes of the Australian legal systems within which environmental law operates.
- Analyse major topics and key issues such as environmental property rights, access to and management of the environment, environmental protection measures and environmental litigation with reference to the relevant sources of legal authority..
- Identify and respond to the types of legal problems and issues likely to be embedded in commonly encountered environment-related activities.
- Explain the environmental law litigation process and alternative dispute resolution procedures.
3 Written Assessment
This assessment is comprised of two parts. Part 1 - You will be required to read and analyse environmental law issues considered by the Court and answer a number of questions to demonstrate your understanding of the law. Part 2 - You will be required to analyse one or more hypothetical scenarios and provide advice to nominated entities to demonstrate your understanding of the regulatory systems.
Full details of the assessment will be provided on the Moodle site during the term.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. The use of AI tools or technology is prohibited in the completion of this assignment (level 1). You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content in any manner. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Extensions of more than 14 days are not available for this assessment. Due to the need to provide prompt feedback to students and the content of feedback provided, submissions received after the assessment has been returned to students cannot be accepted for academic integrity reasons. Students seeking extensions beyond this timeframe will be required to undertake a different version of the assessment task.
Monday (16 Feb 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Times given are Qld time. Students in other States must adjust for their time zone.
Marks may be withheld until certification of grades.
Students will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate thinking and writing skills, to comprehend the material, to process the material and to provide a critical analysis and logical discussion of the law.
The following criteria will be relevant to the written assessment:
- Knowledge of law, especially core concepts
- Effectiveness of research and study of the unit in acquiring such knowledge
- Correctness of referencing to the standard required by the assessment
- Analysis and critical thinking, including application of law to facts and/or projecting possible fact scenarios arising from the law
- Logical and coherent presentation of arguments/analysis with appropriate structure
- Attention to the requirements of the question, including addressing the questions as specified and avoiding irrelevant diversions or regurgitation of law without any connection with the question or the analysis.
- Presenting the paper in a professional manner
- Describe the basic structure, institutions, key functions and processes of the Australian legal systems within which environmental law operates.
- Analyse major topics and key issues such as environmental property rights, access to and management of the environment, environmental protection measures and environmental litigation with reference to the relevant sources of legal authority..
- Identify and respond to the types of legal problems and issues likely to be embedded in commonly encountered environment-related activities.
- Explain the environmental law litigation process and alternative dispute resolution procedures.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
