Queensland has passed new laws aimed at accelerating major critical minerals projects.
The State Government says it wants to speed up these projects without losing protections for agricultural land, landholders and existing environmental and planning approvals.
The legislation gives the Government new powers to expedite approval processes as Queensland competes for global investment in critical minerals supply chains.
It was passed ahead of Premier David Crisafulli’s trade mission to the United States, which will include a focus on attracting investment critical minerals.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the legislation was designed to encourage minerals investment while balancing other interests.
“This legislation gives us the tools to attract investment, create jobs and build new industries, particularly in rural and regional Queensland where the benefits of critical minerals development can be transformational,” he said.
“Queensland does not have to choose between resources and agriculture – we need both, and this legislation reflects our commitment to getting that balance right.”
Under the reforms, major projects can be declared State Strategic Projects, allowing approval processes to be better coordinated and streamlined.
“However, a declaration does not automatically approve a project or remove existing environmental, planning, resources or other approval requirements,” Mr Bleijie said.
“Strong protections in the Bill include retaining important safeguards for access authorities, including landholder consultation, notice requirements, compensation and rectification provisions.”
Changes made during consideration of the Bill also exclude renewable energy projects, including solar, wind and battery projects, as well as data centres, from being declared State Strategic Projects.
Queensland Farmers’ Federation Chief Executive Officer Kylie Porter welcomed the retention of protections for prime agricultural land.
“QFF recognises that critical minerals projects offer a tremendous opportunity for the regions in terms of job creation and investment attraction,” she said.
“By retaining the Regional Planning Interest Act as a protected instrument for our state’s strategic cropping and prime agricultural land, the Queensland Government has listened to farmers and shown that it will not be sacrificing our state’s best farming land for other uses.”
Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray also welcomed the retention of Regional Planning Interest Act protections.
“Queensland has only a very limited supply of the ‘best of the best’ agricultural land, and this must be preserved to grow the food and fibre we need,” Mr Murray said in a statement released through the Government.
Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson said the legislation would provide momentum for the State’s emerging critical minerals industry.
“In combination with Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy, the Bill is a welcome step forward, particularly its commitment to coordinated industry development, faster approvals, common-user infrastructure and a $250 million Critical Minerals Fund,” Ms Hewson said.
“These initiatives will help position Queensland at a time when we are competing with other states and countries around the world for critical minerals investment.”
