Legislation and Reform

The resources sector in Queensland is underpinned by a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure sustainable development and use of our commodities whilst safeguarding the environment for the future. The protection of the environment and responsible economic development are not mutually exclusive. As such, adopting a risk management approach to the regulation of activities is the way to deliver benefits for all stakeholders.

Under Queensland and Commonwealth Government laws, generally resource project applications proceed through an environmental impact assessment process. If granted approval, the proponent is issued with stringent conditions, called an Environmental Authority, set by the Government to minimise and manage impacts.

The resources sector in Queensland understands the importance of operating in a responsible way and works hard to meet its obligations. To ensure the sector is achieving leading practice environmental management and ultimately ‘doing the right thing’, Government monitors operations across the State for compliance. Any failure to meet the conditions set by Government or undertaking of activities that could cause harm to the environment results in compliance action. QRC supports its member companies in achieving compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and further encourages innovation to minimise adverse impacts on environmental values.

The resources sector has a vital interest in practical and stable risk-based legislation that meets Government policy objectives without imposing unnecessary cost burdens. QRC works with its member companies and Government to drive this outcome along with improved consultation.

When proposed legislation is introduced to State Parliament, it is often referred to a Parliamentary Committee for consideration of public issues raised. QRC plays a key role in representing and providing a whole of industry voice on environmental matters that affect the resources sector. The latest submissions prepared by QRC on proposed State legislation and lodged with Parliamentary Committees are provided below.

When proposed legislation is introduced at a Commonwealth Government level, QRC often joins with the Minerals Council of Australia and other industry representative bodies across jurisdictions to provide a collective position on environmental matters that affect the resources sector. The latest submissions prepared by QRC in collaboration with the Minerals Council of Australia and others on proposed Commonwealth legislation and lodged with the relevant national regulators are provided below.