Conservation councils across Australia warned the move could fast-track mining, energy and land-clearing projects while undermining protections for nationally significant ecosystems and animals, such as the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu and critically endangered species.,,

Environmental advocates warned the agreements would give state and territory governments power to approve projects that would impact world heritage areas, wetlands and threatened species.

“Federal nature laws should be administered by the federal government – it’s that simple,” said Conservation Council of the ACT Executive Director, Simon Copland.

“Devolution is reckless and gives rise to potential conflicts of interest, where states and territories, who are often the key backers of destructive projects, are handed powers to assess and approve them.”