️Australia’s environment is under pressure: since 2000, threatened species populations have fallen by 58%, while climate change intensifies heatwaves, bushfires, droughts, and floods. At the same time, we need to build the infrastructure, housing, and renewable energy projects that will sustain communities and the economy.
The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) is the federal law designed to protect our natural world, but it’s widely seen as slow, complex, and in need of reform. Proposed changes aim to improve environmental protections, speed up approvals, and introduce greater accountability — but how should we balance climate, conservation, and construction in practice?
Join this in-person conversation to explore the trade-offs, hear expert perspectives, and discuss how environmental approvals can be both efficient and protective — ensuring our iconic species, ecosystems, and communities thrive now and for future generations.
📍 Zenith Theatre is wheelchair accessible
⏰ Arrive from 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start (event ends 8:30pm)
👉 Reserve your seat now 250 maximum capacity
RACHEL WALMSLEY
Head of Law Reform at Environmental Defenders Office
Rachel Walmsley has over 25 years’ experience working on public interest environmental policy and law reform and spearheads national law reform work at Environment Defenders Office. She has written and presented extensive submissions and discussion papers, and advised governments, parliamentary inquiries and NGOs including the Places you Love Alliance on a range of environmental law issues, including climate policy, natural resource management and biodiversity laws. Rachel is listed in Best Lawyers Australia in the climate change and environmental & planning law categories.
Richie Merzian
CEO of the Clean Energy Investor Group
Richie Merzian is CEO of the Clean Energy Investor Group, advocating on behalf of investors on the policy and market design needed to unlock low-cost capital for Australia's clean energy transition. Previously, he directed the international work of the Smart Energy Council and was a lead United Nations climate negotiator for the Australian Government. Richie is a leading voice in driving reforms and fostering support for the clean energy transition.
Stuart Blanch
Conservation Scientist, WWF Australia
Stuart works to protect and restore Australia’s forests. He manages WWF-Australia’s conservation science work for a fair and just transition out of public native forest logging in NSW, and to expand timber and fibre production and manufacturing based upon sustainable certified timber plantations, hemp and bamboo. He was involved in building the scientific case for listing koalas in NSW as endangered in 2022, and securing the Great Koala National Park. He comes from a farming family on the North Coast, and has postgraduate qualifications in ecology and law.
Nicolette Boele MP
Member for Bradfield
Before being elected as Bradfield’s independent MP in 2025, Nicolette worked across clean energy, finance, and sustainable investment, helping businesses and governments make practical, evidence-based decisions that strengthen the economy. She’s held senior roles with the Responsible Investment Association Australasia, the Investor Group on Climate Change, and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and advised start-ups bringing affordable electric vehicles to Australians.
A lifelong local, Nicolette grew up and now raises her family in Bradfield. She brings her economic and policy expertise into community conversations, connecting national debates on productivity and reform to everyday life.