Legislation and Reform
The resources sector operates within a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure sustainable development
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.
Relevant Links
Waste Reduction and Recycling (Waste Levy) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
Submission to the Innovation, Tourism Development and Environment Commitee
Vegetation Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
Submission to the State Development, Natural Resources and Agricultural Industry Development Committee
Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 2018
Submission to the Economics and Governance Committee
Nature Conservation (special Wildlife Reserve) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017
Submission to the Agriculture and Environment Committee
Waste Reduction and Recycling Amendment Bill 2017
Submission to the Agriculture and Environment Committee
Environmental Protection (Underground Water Management) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Submission to the Agriculture and Environment Committee
Vegetation Management (Reinstatement) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Submission to the Agriculture and Environment Committee
Environmental Protection (Chain of Responsibility) Amendment Bill 2016
Submission to the Agriculture and Environment Committee
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.
Relevant Links
Submission to the Senate Environment and Communications Reference Committee
Independent Review of the EPBC Water Trigger for Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development
Submission to the Independent Reviewer (Stephen Hunter)