Environment

Climate, conservation, pollution, water, mining impacts

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58th Parliament (2024–present)9 bills

Waste Reduction and Recycling (Strengthening the Container Refund Scheme) Amendment Bill 2026

In CommitteeThis bill is being examined by a parliamentary committee before further debate.

•Surplus funds from the container refund scheme can now be directed towards environmental programs like litter reduction and recycling infrastructure, rather than subsidising the beverage industryClause 11, s 102AK(2)(i)-(j)The PRO's functions are expanded to include supporting the development of infrastructure required to transport and recycle waste in Queensland, and supporting environmental or community programs related to the scheme.
•Container lids can now be collected and recycled through the refund scheme, reducing plastic wasteClause 6Amends s 99M to clarify that a container is a container whether or not it includes any closure, lid or cap that may be attached.
•The scheme coordinator must now actively ensure all Queensland communities can access a container refund pointClause 11, s 102ALThe Organisation must use all reasonable endeavours to establish and maintain a network of container refund points that enables all communities in Queensland to access a place for the return of empty beverage containers.

26/3/2026· Hon A Powell MPGovernment & ElectionsBusiness & Economy

Regional Planning Interests (Condamine Alluvium) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026

Awaiting DebateThis bill has been introduced but the main debate (second reading) hasn't started yet.

•New CSG wells in the Condamine Alluvium must not contaminate the aquifer's water quality, protecting underground water used for farming and drinkingClause 3Inserts a deemed condition prohibiting the release of contaminants into waters in the Condamine Alluvium CSG area resulting in water quality inconsistent with water quality objectives.
•Existing approved CSG wells are grandfathered and not affected by the new water quality conditionClause 4Transitional provision ensures the deemed condition does not apply to wells already authorised or the subject of applications lodged before commencement.
•The separate regional interests development approval for CSG is removed, with environmental assessment handled through the more rigorous environmental authority processClause 11Part 2 of the Regional Planning Interests Act no longer applies to CSG activities in the Condamine Alluvium CSG area.

25/3/2026· Hon J Bleijie MPRegional Queensland

Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority Bill 2026

Awaiting DebateThis bill has been introduced but the main debate (second reading) hasn't started yet.

•A new authority will plan for the sustainable use and environmental management of Sunshine Coast waterways, considering impacts on the local environmentClause 14The waterways management strategy must identify needs and priorities having regard to benefits for and impacts on the local environment.
•Sand and sediment movement across Sunshine Coast waterways and adjacent coastal areas will be actively monitored and managed by a dedicated bodyClause 12(d)The authority's functions include monitoring and managing sand or sediment movement in the Sunshine Coast waterways and in adjacent coastal waters and land.

4/3/2026· Hon B Mickelberg MPRegional QueenslandGovernment & Elections

Environmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Awaiting DebateThis bill has been introduced but the main debate (second reading) hasn't started yet.

•Conservation officers gain new powers to investigate and enforce koala habitat protections through the Planning ActClauses 140-149 (Part 8)Conservation officers can enter places, stop vehicles, seize evidence and require information for offences against Planning Act provisions related to protected wildlife and habitat.
•Significant environmental values will be formally declared to guide how environmental laws are administeredClause 53 (new section 9A)Environmental values of State significance can be declared by regulation or environmental protection policy, guiding priorities for protection under the EP Act.
•Courts can now order forfeiture of property used to commit environmental offencesClause 38 (new section 463E)Courts may order forfeiture of things owned by a convicted person that were used to commit the offence, considering hardship, ordinary use, and seriousness.
•Prosecutors get more time to bring environmental cases — 2 years for standard offences and 3 years for serious ones, up from 1 yearClause 40Extends the timeframe for commencing summary proceedings under the EP Act, and aligns the WRR Act to 2 years.

20/11/2025· Hon A Powell MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Energy Roadmap Amendment Bill 2025

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Queensland's legislated renewable energy targets are repealed, replaced by a broader objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generationClause 9Part 2 of the Energy Act (Renewable energy targets) is omitted entirely.
•Energy planning shifts from renewables-focused targets to market-driven objectives covering affordability, reliability and sustainabilityClause 8Strategic infrastructure path objectives include long-term cost minimisation, safe and reliable supply, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
•The government retains 100% public ownership of all existing operational power stations, transmission lines and storage assetsClause 10Replaces the previous 54% generation ownership target with 100% ownership of existing operational generation assets.

16/10/2025· Hon D Janetzki MPCost of LivingRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment Bill 2025

PassedThis bill became law.

•Greenhouse gas exploration wells in the Great Artesian Basin will be repurposed as water bores rather than plugged and abandoned, reducing waste from disused infrastructureClause 6, s 465Part 8 permits CTSCo to convert a relevant GHG well into a water supply bore and transfer the bore to the landholder as an alternative to decommissioning.
•CTSCo must still meet its rehabilitation conditions for the former exploration permit area, even after wells are converted or decommissionedClause 6, s 482CTSCo retains a right of entry to comply with rehabilitation conditions 58 to 60 of the ended environmental authority EPPG00646913.
•Converted bores must have watertight delivery systems to protect the Great Artesian Basin from uncontrolled water lossClause 6, s 479(3)The water licence must not allow the landowner to take water unless the bore has a watertight delivery system within the meaning of the GAB Water Plan.

26/8/2025· Hon D Last MPRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Development for Olympic venues and villages is exempt from 15 environmental and planning laws, including the Environmental Protection Act, Vegetation Management Act and Nature Conservation ActClause 66, s 53DDDevelopment, use or activity for Games venues is taken to be lawful despite 15 listed Acts; requirements under those Acts are taken to have been complied with.
•Normal cultural heritage protections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage are replaced with a fast-track 60-day process for Games projectsClause 66, Part 3 (ss 53DG–53DX)An alternative cultural heritage management plan process applies, with a default plan if negotiation is not reached within 60 days. Stop orders and injunctions under cultural heritage Acts cannot be sought.
•Renewable energy developers must assess social and environmental impacts on local communities before applying for planning approvalClause 21, s 106RSocial impact is defined to include impacts on physical or mental wellbeing, livelihoods, community values, and provision of services like education, emergency and health services.

1/5/2025· Hon J Bleijie MPRegional QueenslandGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

PassedThis bill became law.

•Low-risk environmental permits will continue to be issued automatically through online systems, with a clearer legal basisClause 5 (new s 169A)Standard applications for environmental authorities (other than mining leases) are taken to be approved when the applicant meets eligibility criteria and standard conditions.
•Nature conservation permits issued automatically since 2017 are confirmed as legally valid, protecting holders who relied on themClause 18 (new s 220)Validates all regulation authorities automatically issued by electronic systems prior to commencement, ensuring they are taken to have always been valid and lawful.
•The regulator can still issue penalty infringement notices for breaching environmental protection orders made before the 2024 law changesClause 4Ensures compliance and enforcement tools for existing environmental protection orders, direction notices and clean-up notices remain enforceable via penalty infringement notices.

12/3/2025· Hon A Powell MPBusiness & EconomyGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill 2025

DefeatedThis bill was defeated at the second reading — the main debate on its principles. It cannot proceed further.

•The Director would have been legally prevented from reducing crocodile numbers to a level that risks extinctionClause 10(2)The director must not do anything the director reasonably believes will cause, or is likely to cause, the population size of crocodiles to decline to such an extent that crocodiles are in danger of extinction.
•Crocodile sanctuaries would have been created on declared land areas to protect relocated crocodilesClause 18The director may declare a stated area of land as a crocodile sanctuary for the purpose of protecting particular crocodiles in, or relocated to, the sanctuary.
•Ongoing research and surveys of crocodile numbers and distribution would have been coordinated by the AuthorityClause 10(1)(n)To coordinate research into, and the routine surveying of, crocodile numbers and distribution in the State.

19/2/2025· Mr S Knuth MPSafety & EmergencyRegional QueenslandCommittee: not recommended

57th Parliament (2020–2024)23 bills

Crocodile Control, Conservation and Safety Bill 2024

Lapsed

•Crocodile sanctuaries would be established to protect relocated crocodiles and maintain the speciesClause 18The Director may declare an area of land as a crocodile sanctuary for the purpose of protecting particular crocodiles in, or relocated to, the sanctuary.
•The Director must ensure crocodile management does not cause the species to become endangered or extinctClause 10(2)The Director must not do anything reasonably believed to cause the population size of crocodiles to decline to such an extent that crocodiles are in danger of extinction.
•Ongoing research and surveys of crocodile numbers and egg distribution would be coordinated across the stateClause 10(1)(n)

21/8/2024· Mr S Knuth MPSafety & EmergencyRegional Queensland

Progressive Coal Royalties Protection (Keep Them in the Bank) Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Revenue from coal royalties — which funds public services — is protected from being quietly reduced, maintaining a financial signal that reflects the cost of extracting non-renewable resourcesClause 3 (new s 321AA)The progressive coal royalty tiers were designed to ensure Queenslanders receive a fair return on the use of the State's valuable and limited natural resources during periods of high coal prices.

23/5/2024· Hon C Dick MPGovernment & ElectionsBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill 2024

WithdrawnThis bill was withdrawn from consideration and will not become law.

•The director would be legally prevented from taking any action that could drive crocodiles to extinctionClause 10(2)The director must not do anything the director reasonably believes will cause the population size of crocodiles to decline to such an extent that crocodiles are in danger of extinction.
•Dedicated crocodile sanctuaries could be created on land with the consent of landholdersClause 18The director may declare a stated area of land as a crocodile sanctuary for the purpose of protecting particular crocodiles.
•Carcasses of all crocodiles killed under authorisation must be fully used with no wasteClause 10(1)(l)Ensures carcasses of all crocodiles killed under an authorisation are dealt with so that, as far as practicable, no part of a carcass is wasted.

22/5/2024· Mr S Knuth MPSafety & EmergencyRegional Queensland

Mineral and Energy Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Agricultural land in CSG regions will be assessed for subsidence risk and categorised as high, moderate or low risk to guide monitoring and managementChapter 5A, Part 3 (Clause 87)OGIA must prepare subsidence impact reports categorising agricultural land as Category A (high risk), B (moderate) or C (low risk) every 3-5 years.
•Gas companies cannot start producing CSG from new wells on high-risk farmland until a farm field assessment is done and a management plan is in placeSection 184FC (Clause 87)Restriction on starting CSG production using particular petroleum wells on Category A land. Maximum penalty 1,665 penalty units.
•The Financial Provisioning Scheme now covers abandoned petroleum and gas sites for remediation grantsSection 64, Clause 123Pre-commencement abandoned petroleum and gas operating plant are eligible for rehabilitation grant funding from the Scheme Fund.
•Mining lease holders must now keep their lease surfaces tidy to manage fire, injury and environmental hazardsSection 276 (Clause 135)New mandatory condition requiring mining lease holders to keep the surface area tidy, including removing rubbish and storing equipment in an orderly way.

18/4/2024· Hon S Stewart MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Clean Economy Jobs Bill 2024

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Queensland's emissions reduction targets are now law — 30% cut by 2030, 75% by 2035, and net zero by 2050Clause 5Sets economy-wide targets measured against 2005 emission levels using National Greenhouse Accounts data.
•The government must publish sector-by-sector plans showing how it will reduce emissions in areas like energy, transport and agricultureClauses 9-12Emissions reduction plans for key sectors must be published by 31 December 2025.
•An annual progress report must be tabled in Parliament so the public can track whether the government is meeting its targetsClause 8The Minister must prepare and table an annual statement by 31 December each year, beginning from 2025.
•A Clean Economy Expert Panel will provide independent advice on the most cost-effective ways to cut emissionsClauses 13-15Panel of 2-5 experts plus the Chief Scientist advises on achieving targets and reducing emissions.

14/2/2024· Hon S Miles MPWork & EmploymentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

Environmental Protection (Powers and Penalties) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

PassedThis bill became law.

•Polluters must now rehabilitate or restore the environment after contamination incidents, rather than waiting for the regulator to issue a noticeClause 16 (new section 319C)Creates a duty to restore the environment requiring persons who cause or permit contamination resulting in unlawful environmental harm to take remedial action as soon as reasonably practicable.
•The precautionary principle, polluter pays and primacy of prevention are now formally embedded as guiding principles for environmental regulationClause 6 (new section 6A)The EP Act must be administered having regard to these environmental policy principles from the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment.
•Environmental nuisance like excessive noise, dust or odour can now be treated as serious environmental harm, closing a loophole that limited enforcement actionClauses 9 and 10Removes the exclusion that prevented environmental nuisance from being classified as material or serious environmental harm.
•Operators must report environmental harm events sooner, including when they should reasonably have known about the harm rather than only when they actually knewClause 17Expands the duty to notify to include where a person 'ought reasonably to have become aware' of an event causing environmental harm.

13/2/2024· Hon L Linard MPJustice & RightsBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Agriculture and Fisheries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Commercial fishing vessels in high-risk fisheries must now carry cameras or onboard observers to monitor catch and interactions with protected species like turtles and dolphinsClause 173 (Divisions 3B and 3C)Framework for mandatory independent onboard monitoring via video cameras or official observers, backed by $44 million in state and Commonwealth funding.
•Fishers who repeatedly interact with protected animals can have extra conditions placed on their licences, such as mandatory mitigation plansClause 140 (section 61A)Chief executive may impose reasonable conditions on authority holders who have more than one interaction with a protected animal in 12 months.
•These monitoring reforms help protect the Great Barrier Reef's World Heritage status and maintain Queensland fisheries' access to export marketsClause 173Failure to implement independent onboard monitoring could result in UNESCO listing the GBR as 'in danger' and loss of Wildlife Trade Operation export approvals.

16/11/2023· Hon M Furner MPSafety & EmergencyRegional QueenslandJustice & RightsBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2023

PassedThis bill became law.

•Grazing leaseholders on State forests, national parks, and conservation parks can no longer add new purposes to their leases, protecting these areas from diversified useClause 51 (new section 154(10))Section 154 no longer applies to term leases for grazing purposes over land in conservation parks, forest reserves, national parks, resources reserves, State forests, or timber reserves.
•Reserve purposes are consolidated into six broad categories including 'conservation, scenic and land management purposes', ensuring environmental reserves maintain their protectionClause 72 (replacement of Schedule 1)Existing purposes like beach protection, buffer zones, coastal management, environmental purposes, natural resource management, scenic purposes, and scientific purposes are grouped under conservation, scenic and land management purposes.

15/11/2023· Hon S Stewart MPRegional QueenslandFirst NationsGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Queensland must generate at least 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, 70% by 2032, and 80% by 2035Clause 9Sets minimum renewable energy targets that may be exceeded, with five-yearly reviews.
•New Renewable Energy Zones will be declared across Queensland to coordinate large-scale wind and solar developmentPart 6A REZ delivery body identifies suitable areas, develops management plans, and manages connection and access for renewable generators.
•All publicly owned coal-fired power stations will be progressively converted to clean energy hubsClause 15(2)(c)The Infrastructure Blueprint must describe proposed changes to operations of publicly owned coal-fired power stations intended to result in permanent cessation of coal-fired generation.
•The government must publish an Infrastructure Blueprint mapping the pathway to a clean electricity system, updated every two yearsClauses 15-16The Queensland SuperGrid Infrastructure Blueprint identifies significant projects, their sequencing, and how they help meet renewable energy targets.

24/10/2023· Hon M de Brenni MPWork & EmploymentCost of LivingCommittee: pass

Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Bill 2023

PassedThis bill became law.

•Queensland's gas infrastructure can now be used for renewable hydrogen, biomethane and synthetic methane, supporting the transition away from fossil fuelsPart 2, Clause 7Introduces 'covered gas' category including hydrogen, biomethane, synthetic methane and gas blends into the Gas Supply Act 2003.
•Pipeline operators must publicly disclose which substances they transport, giving communities transparency about what flows through nearby infrastructureClause 20Public notices for pipeline licence applications must state each substance proposed to be transported through the pipeline.
•The bill aligns Queensland with national reforms to extend gas regulation to hydrogen and renewable gases, supporting decarbonisation commitmentsPart 2, Clause 5Energy Ministers agreed on 28 October 2022 to extend the National Gas Law and National Energy Retail Law to hydrogen and other renewable gases.

9/5/2023· Hon M de Brenni MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

Waste Reduction and Recycling and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Releasing balloons outdoors is now illegal across Queensland, with fines of up to 50 penalty units to prevent balloon litter harming wildlifeClause 24 (new s 99GJ)A person must not release, or cause the release of, a lighter-than-air balloon unless inside a building or for scientific research.
•Queensland's waste laws now formally aim for a circular economy where products are reused, repaired, and recycled rather than sent to landfillClauses 7-10 (new ss 3, 4, 9A)The circular economy principle is inserted as an object of the Act, recognising that products and materials should be kept in the economy for as long as they have value.
•The exemption allowing single-use plastics attached to shelf-ready products like juice boxes expires on 31 December 2025, pushing manufacturers towards sustainable packagingClause 19 (amended s 99GC)New subsection (3A) provides that the shelf-ready product exemption expires on 31 December 2025.
•Clean earth sent to landfill now attracts the waste levy, encouraging reuse of soil from construction and infrastructure projectsClauses 22-23The automatic levy exemption for clean earth is removed from 1 July 2023, aligning Queensland with other states.

22/2/2023· Hon M Scanlon MPGovernment & ElectionsCost of LivingCommittee: pass (dissent)

Liquid Fuel Supply (Minimum Biobased Petrol Content) Amendment Bill 2022

DefeatedThis bill was defeated at the second reading — the main debate on its principles. It cannot proceed further.

•Would have boosted uptake of cleaner ethanol-blended fuel by ensuring E10 contains at least 9% ethanol instead of potentially as little as 1%Clause 4 (new s 35DA)A fuel seller must not sell a petrol-biobased petrol blend that contains less than 9% biobased petrol in the blend.
•Doubled fines for fuel retailers not meeting ethanol sales targets, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuelsClause 3Maximum penalty increased to 400 penalty units for a first offence and 4,000 penalty units for a second or later offence.

13/10/2022· Mr N Dametto MPRegional QueenslandBusiness & EconomyCommittee: not recommended

Coal Mining Safety and Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•The government can now impose monetary penalties on non-compliant resource companies without their agreement, strengthening enforcement of land access and environmental conditionsClauses 15, 18, 29Penalties of up to 2,000 penalty units can be imposed for non-compliance with resource authority conditions, with appeal rights to the Land Court preserved.

12/10/2022· Hon S Stewart MPWork & EmploymentBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Water take across Queensland will be more accurately measured and monitored, helping protect rivers, aquifers, and natural ecosystems from over-extractionClause 39, Part 3ANew measurement framework requires approved devices, measurement plans, and telemetry to track non-urban water take against entitlements.
•Decisions on water licence changes must now consider impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander water interests and natural ecosystemsClause 17, s130(3)(b)Chief executive must be satisfied granting application will not adversely affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interests or natural ecosystems.
•Near real-time telemetry monitoring will be required in higher-risk catchments, making it harder to take water illegally during low-flow eventsClause 39, s217ETelemetry devices enable meter read data to be transmitted in near real-time to support more effective compliance monitoring of water take.

12/10/2022· Hon G Butcher MPRegional QueenslandGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Mining and mining exploration are now banned in the Wet Tropics World Heritage AreaClause 141Removes the exemption for mining permits under the Mineral Resources Act 1989 from prohibited acts in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
•EIS assessment reports expire after 3 years so environmental assessments for major projects stay currentClause 20 (new s 59A)An EIS assessment report lapses 3 years after it is given to the proponent, though the chief executive may extend this period.
•Courts can ban repeat environmental offenders from carrying out specific activitiesClause 108 (new s 506A)Applies to persons convicted of a serious environmental offence at least 3 times in 5 years. Penalty for breaching the order is 3,000 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment.
•The dollar thresholds for what counts as serious and material environmental harm are doubled and indexed to inflationClauses 4–5Material environmental harm threshold rises from $5,000 to $10,000 and serious harm from $50,000 to $100,000, with annual CPI indexation.

12/10/2022· Hon M Scanlon MPBusiness & EconomyJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Coal royalty rates increase significantly when prices are high, ensuring Queenslanders get a fairer return on the state's non-renewable resources — new six-tier structure adds 20%, 30%, and 40% rates for prices above $175, $225, and $300 per tonne (Clause 65)

21/6/2022· Hon C Dick MPCost of LivingBusiness & EconomyHealthHousing & Renting

Animal Care and Protection Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•Wildlife-harming fruit tree nets can be banned to protect birds, bats, and possums from entanglement injuries and deathClause 14, s 37BCreates power to prescribe prohibited nets by regulation, targeting netting that causes wildlife to become entangled and suffer horrific injury.
•The inhumane CSSP Pig Poison is banned for use on feral or pest animals, with more humane alternatives requiredClause 16, s 42Excludes poisons containing carbon disulfide and phosphorus from the feral animal exemption because they cause slow, painful death and secondary poisoning.
•All cephalopods (octopi, squid, cuttlefish) are now legally recognised as animals deserving welfare protectionsClause 3, s 11Expands the definition of animal to include all species from the class Cephalopoda directly in the Act.
•Slaughterhouses must install CCTV covering all areas from animal arrival to slaughter and keep recordings for at least 30 daysClause 22, Chapter 4BRequires CCTV at prescribed monitoring points including entrance, unloading, holding, handling, and slaughter areas.

12/5/2022· Hon M Furner MPJustice & RightsRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Building and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Large building developments can now use treated greywater for air conditioning cooling towers, reducing demand on drinking water suppliesClause 46 (section 79(5)(b))New head of power allows regulations to prescribe uses for treated greywater, initially for cooling towers with scope for toilet flushing and other uses.
•Removing aesthetic barriers to solar panel installation encourages more homeowners to adopt solar energyClauses 17-20 (Part 3)Clarifies that developer covenants and body corporate by-laws cannot restrict solar infrastructure installation for aesthetic reasons.
•Property owners can use holding tanks for sewage and greywater under local government permits, providing practical waste management for construction sites and remote areasClauses 44-46 (Part 7)Allows discharge of untreated waste into holding tanks for off-site collection under a permit, including in sewered areas for temporary purposes.

29/3/2022· Hon M de Brenni MPHousing & RentingBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Regional ecosystem classifications are updated more efficiently through a certified database, keeping vegetation management information currentClause 101 (new s 22L)The chief executive certifies versions of the Regional Ecosystem Description Database (VM REDD) instead of amending regulation schedules every 1-2 years.
•Vegetation clearing under an accepted development code must fully comply with the code to be treated as accepted developmentClause 96Clarifies that development under a code is accepted development only if and to the extent the activity complies with the code.
•Local governments must consult with state agencies where stock routes cross protected areas, waterways or state-controlled roads to protect biodiversityClause 61 (new s 107)Consultation required to ensure impacts on park management, biodiversity and fish passage can be avoided, minimised and mitigated.

17/3/2022· Hon S Stewart MPRegional QueenslandBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022

PassedThis bill became law.

•National park visitors are better protected from people pretending to be rangers, with a new offence carrying up to 50 penalty unitsClauses 4, 8, 18, 46New impersonation offences inserted across the Forestry Act, Marine Parks Act, Nature Conservation Act, and Recreation Areas Management Act.
•Conservation officers can more effectively remove abandoned vehicles, illegal traps, and unauthorised items from protected areasClause 15 (new sections 154C-154N)Seizure powers relocated from three regulations into the Act with clear procedures for notice, return, and disposal of seized things.
•Governance of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area updated to reflect modern State-Commonwealth arrangementsPart 10, Division 3 (Clauses 51-63)Abolished Ministerial Council replaced with direct State Minister and Commonwealth Minister decision-making.
•Beekeeping continues on specified national parks until 2044, despite being inconsistent with national park management principlesClause 25 (new section 36A)Apiary permits may be granted for national parks where beekeeping was lawful before dedication, until 1 January 2045.

24/2/2022· Hon M Scanlon MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Water restrictions across South East Queensland will be enforced more consistently, with new officers able to investigate non-compliance at business premisesClause 13 (new ss 53E, 53F)Creates water restriction officers for Urban Utilities and Unitywater with investigation and enforcement powers aligned to local government powers.
•Sensitive cybersecurity information about water infrastructure can be redacted from public documents, helping protect water systems from potential threatsClauses 18-20Allows service providers to remove cybersecurity information from documents required to be publicly available under ss 575 and 575A of the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008.

16/6/2021· Hon S Stewart MPBusiness & EconomyTransport & RoadsCommittee: pass

Nature Conservation and Other Legislation (Indigenous Joint Management - Moreton Island) Amendment Bill 2020

PassedThis bill became law.

•Moreton Island's national park and conservation park will continue as protected areas, now jointly managed by the Quandamooka People and Queensland Parks and Wildlife ServicePart 3, Clauses 15-17The land remains as national park and is jointly managed as an indigenous joint management area in accordance with the ILUA agreed between the State and QYAC.
•The joint management model builds on the successful arrangement already operating on North Stradbroke Island since 2011The approach is consistent with the outcome of transferring protected area lands to QYAC on Minjerribah following the Quandamooka Peoples' native title determinations in 2011.
•Ambiguity in how the Nature Conservation Act grants permits over protected areas is resolved, reducing the risk of permits being found invalidClauses 12, 14, 18, 19Amendments clarify that permission-granting sections operate independently from each other, removing uncertainty that could invalidate existing permits.

3/12/2020· Hon M Scanlon MPFirst Nations

Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Single-use plastic straws, stirrers, plates, bowls and cutlery are banned to reduce plastic pollution entering Queensland's waterways and landfillClause 5, s 99GAObjects include reducing plastic pollution by reducing the number of single-use plastic items that become waste and are littered or disposed of to landfill.
•Additional plastic items can be progressively banned by regulation after public consultation and a cost-benefit assessmentClause 5, s 99GC(3)The Minister may recommend new items be banned only after public consultation and considering availability of alternatives and proportionality of enforcement costs.
•Compostable plastic items must be clearly labelled so consumers know whether they can be composted at home or need industrial compostingClause 5, s 99GFSellers must ensure conditions under which a plastic item is compostable are clearly and legibly written on packaging or accompanying information.
•A mandatory review within two years will assess whether the ban is actually reducing plastic waste and litterClause 5, s 99GIReview must cover effectiveness in reducing single-use plastic items used or sold and that become waste littered or disposed of to landfill.

3/12/2020· Hon M Scanlon MPBusiness & EconomyHealthCommittee: pass

56th Parliament (2017–2020)21 bills

Royalty Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•The new royalty framework aims to ensure Queenslanders receive a fair return from the extraction of non-renewable gas and oil resources, particularly from the coal seam gas and LNG export industryPart 9, Clause 97The 2019-20 State Budget announced a review to ensure greater certainty, equity and simplicity and provide an appropriate return to Queenslanders from their valuable non-renewable resources.

16/7/2020· Hon C Dick MPBusiness & EconomyGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•An independent Rehabilitation Commissioner will publicly report on how well mining companies are rehabilitating disturbed land across QueenslandClause 81 (new Chapter 8A)The Commissioner must publish advice, reports and guidance on a Queensland Government website and provide annual reports on rehabilitation performance and trends to the Minister, who must table them in Parliament.
•Residual risks from former mining sites must be recorded on land titles so property buyers know if ongoing environmental management may be neededClause 61 (new section 275B)The administering authority must notify the registrar of titles that land is subject to residual risks and that a post-surrender management report exists. The notation must be removed if the risks no longer exist.
•Mining companies must submit detailed risk assessments and management plans before handing back environmental authorities for resource sitesClause 55 (new section 264A)Post-surrender management reports must include a risk assessment complying with the residual risk assessment guideline, and where risks are identified, a risk management plan with estimated costs for ongoing management and remedial action.
•A dedicated fund is established to ensure money from mining companies is properly managed to cover the long-term costs of looking after former mine sitesClause 107 (new section 25A, MERFP Act)The Residual Risks Fund receives residual risk payments and investment returns, with payments made for remedial action, ongoing management activities, and fund administration.

18/6/2020· Hon Enoch MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

Forest Wind Farm Development Bill 2020

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Up to 226 wind turbines can be built in three State forests near Gympie, contributing 1,200 megawatts towards Queensland's 50 per cent renewable energy targetClause 3, Schedule 2The project would represent 12 per cent of Queensland's installed generation capacity.
•Native forest in the southwest corner of Neerdie State Forest gets extra protections, with only roads and tracks allowed in that areaClause 8(1)(b)For project area B (native forest area), the access licence limits activity to the building, maintenance and use of a road or track.
•Wind farm operators must remediate the land when their tenure ends, including removing equipment and decommissioning structuresPart 6, Clauses 53-54If the operator does not comply, the Minister can require the plantation licensee to carry out remediation as a condition of their licence.

20/5/2020· Hon K Jones MPRegional QueenslandBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Mineral and Energy Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•The State gains expanded powers to clean up abandoned mine sites, including accessing affected land beyond the original mine boundaryPart 10 (Clauses 146-147)New remediation activity powers allow authorised persons to enter abandoned mine sites and affected land to make sites safe, secure, durable, and where possible, productive.
•When a mining company changes ownership, the Minister can check whether the new owner can actually afford to rehabilitate the siteClauses 38, 47, 50, 117, 122, 132, 172, 181, 186, 194, 197Indirect change of control provisions apply across all resource Acts, allowing the Minister to impose conditions if the new controlling entity poses a risk to rehabilitation.
•Large mineral mines must submit development plans showing their planned activities — failure to comply can lead to lease cancellationPart 10 (Clause 142, new Part 1A)Prescribed mineral mining lease holders must have approved development plans; non-compliance within required timeframes results in lease cancellation.

4/2/2020· Hon A Lynham MPWork & EmploymentCost of LivingBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Implementation of The Spit Master Plan Bill 2019

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•The Spit's future is locked in as low-rise, protecting the area's environmental and community character through a legislated master planClause 6The master plan aims to find the right balance between protecting environmental and community values and facilitating appropriate development opportunities.
•Public access to The Broadwater and surrounding marine environment will be improved through new community infrastructurePart 4A (Clause 18)The GCWA must develop a Spit works program for community infrastructure and public realm works in the master plan area.

26/11/2019· Hon C Dick MPBusiness & EconomyGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Biodiscovery and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•Queensland's biodiscovery framework is updated to align with the international Nagoya Protocol on fair access to genetic resourcesClause 6The Act is amended to reference the Nagoya Protocol as the relevant international agreement, having entered into force in 2014.
•Collection of native biological material for research continues to require a collection authority, maintaining environmental safeguardsClauses 11-14The collection authority framework is retained and simplified, with biodiscovery plans removed but information now provided through collection authority applications.

26/11/2019· Hon L Enoch MPFirst NationsBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Biosecurity zone maps for pests like fire ants can now be updated quickly without amending regulationsClause 31Inserts new Part 3A in the Biosecurity Act 2014 enabling the chief executive to amend biosecurity zone maps as pest distributions change.
•Threatened species classification decisions must now happen within 30 business days, addressing delays identified by the Queensland Audit OfficeClause 122Inserts new section 132B in the Nature Conservation Act 1992 requiring the Minister to decide within 30 business days of receiving a Species Technical Committee recommendation.
•Penalties for failing to follow biosecurity management plans increased 25-fold, from 20 to 500 penalty unitsClause 49Replaces the standalone offence with a requirement under section 25 of the Act, carrying the general biosecurity obligation penalty of 500 penalty units.

22/8/2019· Hon M Furner MPRegional QueenslandJustice & RightsCommittee: pass

Environmental Protection (Great Barrier Reef Protection Measures) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•Tougher regulations aim to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution flowing into the Great Barrier Reef from farming and industryClause 8, Section 74The purpose of Chapter 4A is to improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef to support its Outstanding Universal Value.
•The government must set and review pollution reduction targets for each of the 35 river basins draining into the Reef every five yearsClause 8, Sections 77-78The Minister must set objectives for reduced dissolved inorganic nitrogen and sediment loads in an environmental protection policy.
•New development must achieve no net decline in Reef water quality, with offsets available for unavoidable impactsClause 8, Sections 87-88Water quality offsets allow actions to counterbalance residual impacts from new industrial and agricultural development.
•Queensland adopts national standards for classifying threatened species, adding 'extinct' and 'critically endangered' categoriesClauses 30-31Two new classes of wildlife — extinct and critically endangered — are added to align with the IUCN-based Common Assessment Method.

27/2/2019· Hon L Enoch MPRegional QueenslandBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Natural Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Water users who exceed their entitlement volume face a new offence with a maximum penalty of 1,665 penalty unitsClause 333, new s 808AClarifies that the holder of a water entitlement must not take water in excess of the volume or rate of take stated on their water entitlement.
•People sharing a water meter are now jointly and severally liable for ensuring water taken is lawfulClause 335, new s 829Joint entitlement holders and separate entitlement holders who share a meter are jointly and severally liable for ensuring water taken is lawful and can be accounted for.
•CleanCo is established as a clean energy generator to increase competition and put downward pressure on wholesale electricity pricesClauses 355-359CleanCo will strategically deploy low and no emission generation assets transferred from Stanwell and CS Energy into the National Electricity Market.
•Mining companies must now rehabilitate abandoned mine sites under clearer remediation obligationsClauses 231-235Replaces 'rehabilitation' with 'remediation' for abandoned mine sites and clarifies access rights to carry out environmental management activities.

26/2/2019· Hon A Lynham MPBusiness & EconomyFirst NationsGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Transport Legislation (Road Safety and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2019

PassedThis bill became law.

•Local governments and Commonwealth agencies that help clean up marine pollution can now have their costs recovered by the StateClauses 25-27, sections 111-115Previously only port authorities and operators could have costs recovered. Now any entity assisting under the marine pollution controller's direction is covered.
•Evidentiary improvements make it easier to prosecute vehicles carrying dangerous goods through tunnelsClause 36, section 84ACamera evidence of trailers and placards is strengthened to address limitations of existing tunnel camera systems.

13/2/2019· Hon M Bailey MPTransport & RoadsJustice & RightsSafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass

Mineral Resources (Galilee Basin) Amendment Bill 2018

Lapsed

•Would have stopped all coal mining in the Galilee Basin to help limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, protecting the Great Barrier Reef from the worst climate impactsClause 3The IPCC Special Report found that coal use for electricity must fall to 0-2% globally by 2050, and that coral reef destruction exceeds 99% at 2 degrees of warming.
•Prevented decades-long coal projects like the Carmichael mine from locking in emissions well beyond 2050Clause 4, s 334ZJMJust one project, the Adani Carmichael coal mine, would continue exporting coal for 60 years to the year 2080 if mining started in 2020.

31/10/2018· Mr M Berkman MPRegional QueenslandBusiness & EconomyCommittee: not recommended

Waste Reduction and Recycling (Waste Levy) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Queensland gets its first sustained waste levy, making landfill more expensive to discourage dumping and boost recycling (Clause 6, Section 36 — levy starts at $70 per tonne)
•Interstate waste dumping in Queensland is discouraged, as the levy applies to waste from other states no matter where it is delivered (Clause 6, Section 36)
•$100 million over three years is allocated to help recycling businesses and councils invest in resource recovery infrastructure (Resource Recovery Industry Development Program)
•Illegal dumping penalties are doubled to prevent people avoiding the levy by dumping waste unlawfully (Clause 7 — maximum penalty is now 1,000 penalty units or twice the levy that would have been payable)

6/9/2018· Hon L Enoch MPCost of LivingBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Fisheries (Sustainable Fisheries Strategy) Amendment Bill 2018

PassedThis bill became law.

•Fish stocks get better protection through harvest strategies with pre-agreed sustainability targets and triggers for management actionClause 31, Part 2 Division 1Harvest strategies must state ecological, economic and social objectives, targets and limits for maintaining fisheries resources, and triggers for when action must be taken.
•The chief executive can make urgent declarations to temporarily close fishing areas when marine animals like dugongs or dolphins are at riskClause 33, Section 38Urgent declarations may be made where there is a significant threat caused by fishing to a thing that is not fish, such as an unacceptable risk of interaction with mammals.
•A 20-metre exclusion zone is established around shark control apparatus to protect swimmers, kayakers and boaters from entanglementClause 31, Section 31Maximum penalty of 200 penalty units for being in the exclusion zone without reasonable excuse. Does not apply to boats transiting through without stopping.
•Stronger penalties for releasing non-indigenous species into Queensland waters help protect native fish habitatsClause 55, Section 90Maximum penalty of 2,000 penalty units for unlawfully releasing non-indigenous fisheries resources into Queensland waters.

4/9/2018· Hon M Furner MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Safer Waterways Bill 2018

DefeatedThis bill was defeated at the second reading — the main debate on its principles. It cannot proceed further.

•The director would have been prohibited from taking any action likely to cause crocodile populations to decline to endangered levelsClause 11(2)The director must not do anything reasonably believed to cause crocodile population size to decline to an extent that crocodiles may be in danger of extinction.
•Crocodile reserves could have been declared on suitable land to protect relocated crocodilesClause 25The director may declare a stated area of land as a crocodile reserve for the purpose of protecting particular crocodiles in, or relocated to, the reserve.
•Routine population surveys and research into crocodile numbers and distribution would have been requiredClause 11(1)(l)The director must coordinate research into, and routine surveying of, crocodile population numbers and distribution in the State.
•No part of a killed crocodile's carcass would have been allowed to go to wasteClause 11(1)(j)The director must ensure carcasses of all crocodiles killed under authorisation are dealt with so that, as far as possible, no part of a carcass is wasted.

21/3/2018· Mr S Knuth MPSafety & EmergencyRegional QueenslandCommittee: not recommended

Vegetation Management (Clearing for Relevant Purposes) Amendment Bill 2018

DefeatedThis bill was defeated at the second reading — the main debate on its principles. It cannot proceed further.

•Graziers would have been able to clear vegetation for feed production, broadening the scope of permitted land clearing in QueenslandClause 4Removes 'grazing activities' from the definition of high value agriculture clearing, making grazing a relevant purpose for clearing applications.
•The existing environmental safeguards in the Vegetation Management Act would have continued to apply to any new clearing applicationsClause 4The explanatory notes state that the existing legislative and regulatory framework provides adequate mitigation against detrimental environmental impacts.

21/3/2018· Mr R Katter MPRegional QueenslandCommittee: not recommended

Vegetation Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•High value regrowth vegetation on freehold and indigenous land is now protected, ending unregulated clearing of native vegetation that has been regrowing for at least 15 yearsClause 38 (definition of high value regrowth vegetation)Redefines high value regrowth to include freehold land, indigenous land, and occupational licences, with a rolling 15-year threshold replacing the fixed 1989 date.
•Watercourse vegetation protections now cover all six Great Barrier Reef catchments, reducing sediment run-off that damages the reefClause 38 (definition of regrowth watercourse and drainage feature area)Extends Category R protections to the Burnett-Mary, Eastern Cape York and Fitzroy catchments, requiring regrowth within 50 metres of watercourses to be managed under clearing codes.
•Essential habitat protections now cover near threatened wildlife species, not just endangered and vulnerable speciesClause 38 (definition of protected wildlife); Clause 37, s 141-142Amends the definition of protected wildlife to include near threatened wildlife, with environmental offset multipliers applied to clearing in their essential habitat.
•Penalties for unlawful vegetation clearing have been substantially increased, with wilful breach of an enforceable undertaking attracting up to 6,250 penalty unitsClause 35, s 68CIMaximum penalty for wilful contravention of an enforceable undertaking is 6,250 penalty units; stop work notice and restoration notice non-compliance increased from 1,665 to 4,500 penalty units.

8/3/2018· Hon A Lynham MPRegional QueenslandBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Mined land must be progressively rehabilitated to a safe, stable condition that can sustain a post-mining land use like farming or native habitatClause 104 (new s 126B-126D)PRC plans must include milestones and timeframes for progressively rehabilitating each area of the mine site.
•Mine voids in floodplains must be fully rehabilitated — companies cannot walk away and leave themClause 104 (new s 126D(3))If an area will have a void in a floodplain, the PRCP schedule must provide for rehabilitation of that area to a stable condition before surrender.
•Independent rehabilitation audits are required every 3 years to check companies are meeting their rehabilitation commitmentsClause 173 (new s 285-286)Holders must commission a rehabilitation auditor every 3 years to audit the PRCP schedule and submit an audit report.
•A pooled fund can now pay for cleaning up abandoned mine sites and funding rehabilitation researchClause 63-65The scheme fund may be used for rehabilitation of abandoned mines, remediation of abandoned operating plants, and rehabilitation research.

15/2/2018· Hon J Trad MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Electricity and Other Legislation (Batteries and Premium Feed-in Tariff) Amendment Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Solar Bonus Scheme customers can confidently invest in batteries and extra solar panels knowing exactly what is allowed, supporting the uptake of renewable energy technology (Clause 5)
•Customers who installed batteries or additional solar before the bill was introduced are grandfathered and keep their feed-in tariff (Clause 6, new section 360)

15/2/2018· Hon A Lynham MPCost of LivingRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

Mineral, Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Water plans must now explicitly account for the effects of climate change on water availabilityClause 243 (new s 45(2)(g))The Minister must consider the water-related effects of climate change on water availability when preparing a water plan.
•The government can now take emergency action to protect water quality after events like floods or cyclonesClause 259 (new ss 203A-203G)New powers for the Minister and chief executive to direct urgent actions to prevent, minimise, mitigate or remedy water quality issues, even where inconsistent with existing water plans.
•Water monitoring bores can be preserved and transferred instead of being decommissioned, maintaining groundwater dataClause 142 (new ch 12A, pt 4)Creates a framework for transferring water monitoring bores to landowners, other tenure holders, or the State.

15/2/2018· Hon A Lynham MPFirst NationsBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Land, Explosives and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Cultural and natural values of the Shelburne and Bromley properties on Cape York Peninsula are permanently protected from resource extractionClause 19 (new section 27A, Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act 2007)Prohibits the grant of any mining, petroleum, geothermal or greenhouse gas storage interests over the specified land.
•A new framework allows the State to safely manage and remediate abandoned petroleum operating plant where no tenure holder existsPart 12, Division 2 (Petroleum and Gas Act amendments)Provides for authorised persons to enter land and carry out remediation activities on abandoned operating plant.

15/2/2018· Hon A Lynham MPSafety & EmergencyFirst NationsBusiness & EconomyHousing & RentingCommittee: pass

Nature Conservation (Special Wildlife Reserves) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Private landholders can now permanently protect high-conservation-value land with the same legal standing as a national parkClause 12 (new s 43A–43D)Establishes special wildlife reserves as a new class of protected area declared by regulation after a voluntary conservation agreement is negotiated.
•Mining, fossicking and native forest timber harvesting are banned on declared special wildlife reserves, even on leasehold landClause 8 (s 27)Adds special wildlife reserves to the list of protected areas where mining interests, geothermal tenures and GHG authorities cannot be granted.
•Activities straddling state and Commonwealth waters in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park can now be regulated under Queensland environmental lawClause 47 (s 19)Allows a regulation to prescribe environmentally relevant activities carried out partly within the state and partly within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
•Conservation agreements for nature refuges and special wildlife reserves no longer risk being lost when a lease is renewed or land tenure changesClause 55 (s 279A)Conservation agreements recorded in the land registry are treated as registered interests that survive tenure dealings including lease renewal, conversion, transfer and subdivision.

15/2/2018· Hon L Enoch MPRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

55th Parliament (2015–2017)39 bills

Vegetation Management (Clearing for Relevant Purposes) Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Grazing to produce livestock feed would have been added to the activities that can qualify as high value agriculture clearingClause 4Removes 'grazing activities' from the exclusions in the dictionary definition of high value agriculture clearing.
•Landholders refused permission to clear vegetation would have had a clearer right to challenge the decisionClause 3Requires the chief executive to give the applicant an information notice when an application is not approved, triggering the internal review right under section 63.
•The bill lapsed at the end of the 55th Parliament, so vegetation clearing rules were not changedStatus: Lapsed. The bill did not proceed to become law.

26/10/2017· Mr S Knuth MPRegional Queensland

Mineral and Energy Resources (Financial Provisioning) Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Mines must now follow a legally binding plan with deadlines for rehabilitating disturbed land as the mine operates, not just at the endClause 104 (new EP Act ss 126B-126D)Every mining lease must have a Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan with rehabilitation milestones tied to timeframes, audited every three years by an independent auditor.
•Voids left in floodplains must be fully filled in and rehabilitated before a mine can walk awayClause 104 (new EP Act s 126D(3))If a PRC plan area will have a void situated wholly or partly in a floodplain during operations, the PRCP schedule must provide for the rehabilitation of the area to a stable condition prior to surrender.
•Wilfully breaching a rehabilitation condition can now lead to up to 5 years in prison for mine operatorsClause 188 (new EP Act s 431B)A wilful contravention of a PRCP schedule condition carries a maximum penalty of 6,250 penalty units or 5 years imprisonment.
•The new pooled fund can be used to clean up old abandoned mines that were never rehabilitatedClauses 3, 64The scheme fund provides a source of funds for rehabilitation of pre-commencement abandoned mines, abandoned operating plants and scientific research into rehabilitation techniques.

25/10/2017· Hon C Pitt MPBusiness & EconomyRegional Queensland

Land, Explosives and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Mining, petroleum and gas activity is permanently banned on the Shelburne Bay and Bromley properties on Cape YorkClause 19Undecided applications for mining interests over the protected land are taken to have been withdrawn.
•Abandoned gas plants left without a tenure or environmental authority holder can now be safely remediated by an authorised personPart 3 (P&G Act amendments)A new framework allows the chief executive to authorise a person to enter primary land and carry out remediation on abandoned operating plant.
•Technical fixes to the coal and coal seam gas overlapping tenure framework aim to reduce disputes and clarify environmental responsibilitiesAmendments clarify the scope of arbitration, the definition of 'PL connecting infrastructure' and transitional provisions.

10/10/2017· Hon Dr A Lynham MPFirst NationsSafety & EmergencyHousing & RentingBusiness & Economy

Mineral, Water and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Water plans must now explicitly account for how climate change is affecting water availabilityClause 239Requires the Minister to consider the water-related effects of climate change on water availability when preparing a water plan.
•The Minister can order urgent action to protect water quality after floods, cyclones or contamination eventsClause 255 (new sections 203A-203G)Creates new powers to direct dam operators to take or avoid actions to prevent, mitigate or remedy urgent water quality issues.
•Water held in strategic reserves can be released temporarily for up to three years to meet interim demandClause 237 (new sections 40A-40C)Allows temporary release of water from strategic water infrastructure reserves through non-renewable water licences of up to three years.
•The State can take over mining water monitoring bores so groundwater data keeps being collected after mines closeClause 139 (new sections 334ZZO-334ZZU)

22/8/2017· Hon Dr A Lynham MPBusiness & EconomyFirst NationsRegional Queensland

Electricity and Other Legislation (Batteries and Premium Feed-in Tariff) Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•You can still add a home battery and keep the 44c/kWh tariff if it only runs at night or during blackoutsClause 5The use of a battery to supply the home or business which is also supplied by the qualifying generator is permitted during interruptions to supply, such as blackouts.
•Solar customers can add extra panels up to the approved inverter capacity without losing the premium tariffClause 5For a 2kW inverter with 1.5kW of panels, a customer may add an additional 500W (two 250W panels) and remain eligible for the Solar Bonus Scheme.
•The rules aim to stop Solar Bonus Scheme costs rising by up to 25 per cent (around $1 billion) by 2028Without amendment there is a risk that Solar Bonus Scheme costs could rise by up to 25 per cent by 2028, potentially increasing total scheme cost from $4.1 billion to around $5.1 billion.

15/6/2017· Hon M Bailey MPCost of LivingHousing & RentingCommittee: pass

Waste Reduction and Recycling Amendment Bill 2017

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Lightweight plastic shopping bags are banned from all Queensland retailers from 1 July 2018, including biodegradable bagsClause 4 (new s99D)A retailer must not give a banned plastic shopping bag to a person to use to carry goods that the retailer sells from the retailer's premises.
•A statewide container refund scheme encourages recycling of drink containers instead of littering or sending them to landfillClause 4 (new Part 3B)Main objects are to increase recovery and recycling of empty beverage containers and reduce the number that are littered or disposed of to landfill.
•Refund points cannot send eligible containers to landfill once a refund has been paid, with penalties up to 500 penalty units for breachesClause 4 (new s99ZD)
•The government can now place conditions on how recycled waste resources are used to prevent environmental harmClause 9 (new s159)Enables the chief executive to make an end of waste code or end of waste approval that includes conditions for the end-user of a resource.

14/6/2017· Hon Dr S Miles MPCost of LivingBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Nature Conservation (Special Wildlife Reserves) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

Lapsed

•Private landholders can lock in national-park-level protection for land of outstanding natural value without selling it to the governmentClause 12 (new s 43-43L)Creates special wildlife reserves on freehold and leasehold land with a perpetual conservation agreement and management program.
•Mining, gas, geothermal, greenhouse gas storage, forestry and fossicking are banned on special wildlife reservesClauses 8, 49, 51, 61Adds special wildlife reserves to the list of protected areas where mining interests, forest harvesting and fossicking cannot be granted.
•A special wildlife reserve can only be revoked if Parliament passes a resolution with at least 28 days noticeClause 12 (new s 43J)Gives reserves the same high level of revocation scrutiny as state-owned national parks.
•Existing nature refuges on leasehold land are protected from being lost when a lease is renewed, converted to freehold, subdivided or transferredClauses 14 and 55Treats conservation agreements as registered interests so they automatically carry across tenure dealings.

14/6/2017· Hon Dr S Miles MP

Safer Waterways Bill 2017

Lapsed

•A new Queensland Crocodile Authority would have managed saltwater crocodiles, replacing their protection under general nature conservation lawsClause 5, Clause 27(2)(a)Establishes the Queensland Crocodile Authority and enables the director to issue, cancel and amend licences under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 relating to crocodiles or crocodile eggs.
•The director could not act in a way that risks making crocodiles endangered as a speciesClause 11(2)The director must not do anything reasonably believed to cause, or likely to cause, the population of crocodiles to decline to an extent they may be in danger of extinction.
•Specific areas could be declared 'crocodile reserves' to protect relocated crocodilesClause 25The director may, by written notice in the gazette, declare a stated area of land as a crocodile reserve, with landholder consent required for non-State land.
•Every crocodile killed, relocated or egg harvested would have to be reported publicly each quarterClause 23, Clause 24Annual and quarterly reports must list crocodiles killed (including how and how the carcass was dealt with), eggs harvested, relocations and crocodile attacks.

25/5/2017· Mr S Knuth MPSafety & EmergencyRegional Queensland

Land Access Ombudsman Bill 2017

PassedThis bill became law.

•Landholders get a free independent investigator for disputes with mining, gas and petroleum companies over land access agreementsClauses 3-4, 16The ombudsman's purpose is to facilitate timely resolution of disputes between parties to a conduct and compensation agreement or make good agreement.
•Bore owners affected by resource activity can use the ombudsman as a lower-cost alternative to the statutory Water Act dispute processClause 7A land access dispute includes a dispute between parties to a make good agreement about an alleged breach of the agreement.
•The ombudsman can recommend that regulators investigate suspected breaches of resource, water or environmental protection lawsClauses 53-55The ombudsman may notify the chief executive (natural resources and mines), chief executive (water) or chief executive (environment protection) of suspected offences or authority breaches.
•The ombudsman can only enter your land with your consent, and cannot take anything from itClauses 45, 50Entry provisions have been narrowed to entry by consent only, and the ombudsman has not been conferred the power to take anything from the land.

23/5/2017· Hon Dr A Lynham MPRegional QueenslandBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Gasfields Commission and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

PassedThis bill became law.

•The commission that oversees coexistence between coal seam gas companies and communities is restructured to focus on bigger-picture issues rather than individual disputesClauses 19-20Section 7(g) is omitted to allow the commission to focus on facilitating better relationships between gas companies and landholders at a strategic level, rather than through involvement in individual disputes.
•A clearer port overlay rule helps implement Reef 2050 plan commitments for development near priority Queensland portsClause 42Ensures port overlay provisions which implement a priority port master plan are applied consistently to development in priority port master planned areas.
•Researchers using Queensland native plants, animals or microbes for biodiscovery get a workable way to license material down a commercial chainClause 9 (new section 35A)The primary user may enter a subsequent use agreement with another biodiscovery entity allowing use of the native biological material for biodiscovery.

10/5/2017· Hon Dr A Lynham MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Water Legislation (Dam Safety) Amendment Bill 2016

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Dams that only risk the property owner or on-site workers will no longer be double-regulated under water supply laws and workplace safety lawsClause 11 (s 346)Residents on the dam's parcel, workers at the workplace, and people at mine sites are excluded from the 'population at risk' that triggers referable dam status.
•The Minister can still temporarily lower full supply levels at Wivenhoe, Somerset and North Pine Dams to help manage floods or droughtsClause 27 (s 390)The Minister may declare a temporary full supply level if impacts of a potential flood or drought may be mitigated.
•If a dam keeps operating at a reduced water level for more than a year, the owner must report on impacts to water security and customersClause 28 (s 399C)Owners must report annually on impacts to customers and on achieving water plan outcomes under the Water Act.

30/11/2016· Hon M Bailey MPSafety & EmergencyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Bill 2016

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Underground coal gasification - a method of burning coal underground to produce gas - is permanently banned in QueenslandClause 29 (new s334ZJD)The Minister must not renew a mineral (f) development licence, grant a mining lease for mineral (f), or approve an application to add or mine mineral (f).
•Existing UCG licence holders can still carry out environmental rehabilitation, monitoring and decommissioning of wellsClause 29 (new s334ZJE)Rehabilitation activities include environmental management, monitoring air, ecology, fauna, hydrology, soil or water, and decommissioning activities.
•Every large resource project must assess and manage its impacts on housing, community wellbeing and local services, not just environmental harmClause 9The social impact assessment must provide for community and stakeholder engagement, workforce management, housing and accommodation, local business and industry procurement, and health and community well-being.
•The Coordinator-General can set enforceable social conditions on projects approved under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, closing a gap that previously allowed such conditions only under the SDPWO ActClause 11

8/11/2016· Hon Dr A Lynham MPWork & EmploymentRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass (dissent)

Stock Route Network Management Bill 2016

Lapsed

•Natural heritage sites on the stock route network - such as habitat for endangered, vulnerable or near-threatened wildlife - can now be protected as special interest areasClauses 10, 13An area used by endangered wildlife, vulnerable wildlife or near threatened wildlife under the Nature Conservation Act can be declared a State special interest area.
•Councils can attach conditions to grazing and harvesting approvals to protect heritage features, or refuse to issue them if the network can't sustain the activityClauses 11, 14, 31Local government may impose a maintenance condition on an approval to maintain the feature of natural heritage or cultural heritage.
•Pasture harvesting becomes the lowest priority use of the network and only allowed where there is genuinely excess pasture, reducing the risk of over-grazing the landClauses 4, 37Harvesting approvals should only be granted where an area on the network contains sufficient pasture to warrant harvesting, after all higher uses of that area have been considered.
•Polluting water at a stock watering point, burning pasture without consent, or harvesting pasture without approval now attracts fines of up to 200 penalty unitsClauses 58, 59, 64Unauthorised harvesting of pasture, burning of pasture, and polluting water in water facilities each carry a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units.

3/11/2016· Hon Dr A Lynham MPRegional QueenslandFirst NationsCommittee: not recommended

Water (Local Management Arrangements) Amendment Bill 2016

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Ownership and operation of major regional irrigation infrastructure shifts from a government-owned corporation to private irrigator-controlled entitiesSection 719
•Environmental authorities for prescribed environmentally relevant activities automatically transfer to the new entity, which is deemed a 'suitable operator' under the Environmental Protection Act 1994Section 738KSection 738K deems the new irrigation entity a suitable operator and switches off normal registration procedures under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
•Resource operations licences for water allocations are replaced by distribution operations licences issued to the new irrigation entities, without the normal Water Act application processSection 738H

13/9/2016· Hon M Bailey MPRegional QueenslandBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass (dissent)

Environmental Protection (Underground Water Management) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Mining and gas projects must give a detailed groundwater impact assessment before getting environmental approval, including aquifer analysis and predicted water-level declinesClause 5 (new s 126A)Prescribes the aquifer descriptions, predicted water quantities, environmental value impacts and management strategies that must accompany site-specific applications.
•Underground water impact reports must now assess past and predicted future environmental impacts, and can trigger changes to a project's environmental authorityClauses 7 and 33An environmental authority may be amended if an underground water impact report identifies impacts or potential impacts on an environmental value.
•Damage to water bores caused by free gas escaping from coal seam gas operations now counts as impairment, so landholders can claim make good obligationsClause 26A bore has an impaired capacity if free gas from authorised resource activities has caused or materially contributed to damage, a health or safety risk, or loss of water quality or quantity.
•Mining projects partway through approvals can no longer start dewatering until a new associated water licence with public submission and third-party appeal rights is grantedClause 31 (new s 839) and Clause 36 (new Division 2)Section 334ZP does not apply to these mining tenures until an associated water licence is granted after public notification.

13/9/2016· Hon Dr S Miles MPRegional QueenslandGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Major Sports Facilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•If you own land next to a river or lake, the government must get your written consent before leasing the bed next to your propertyClause 13 (new section 13AB)Non-tidal watercourse land or non-tidal lake land may only be leased if each adjacent owner consents and the chief executive (water) consents.
•Your existing rights to cross or graze stock on the bed of an adjoining river or lake can be limited if the bed is leasedClause 12Adds subsection (6) to section 13A limiting riparian rights where the adjacent area is subject to a lease.
•The State can now lease the bed of a functioning river or lake for infrastructure projects like bridges or pipelinesClause 13 (new section 13AA)Non-tidal watercourse land and non-tidal lake land may be leased under the Land Act as if they were unallocated State land.

30/8/2016· Hon C Pitt MPTransport & RoadsBusiness & EconomyGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Gene Technology (Queensland) Bill 2016

PassedThis bill became law.

•The same national rules on genetically modified organisms keep applying in Queensland to protect health and the environmentClause 3Purpose of the Act is to protect the health and safety of people and the environment by identifying and managing risks from gene technology.
•The Commonwealth Gene Technology Regulator keeps full oversight of GMO research, licensing and inspections in QueenslandClause 9The Commonwealth regulator and other authorities and officers have the same functions and powers under the applied provisions as under Commonwealth law.
•Existing GMO licences and their conditions continue without disruption under the new schemeClause 26An existing GMO licence continues as a GMO licence under the applied provisions and remains subject to its original conditions.

16/8/2016· Hon L Enoch MPHealthGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: pass

Vegetation Management (Reinstatement) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

DefeatedThis bill was defeated at the second reading — the main debate on its principles. It cannot proceed further.

•Land clearing rates are targeted for reduction to help protect the Great Barrier Reef from sediment and nutrient run-offPolicy objectivesClearing of woody vegetation had increased from about 78,000 hectares a year in 2009-10 to about 296,000 hectares in 2013-14.
•Regrowth vegetation along watercourses is newly protected in three more Reef catchments: Burnett-Mary, Eastern Cape York and FitzroyClause 8Amends the definition of 'regrowth watercourse and drainage feature area' to cover these additional catchments.
•You need a riverine protection permit before destroying vegetation in a watercourse, lake or spring, with a maximum penalty of 1,665 penalty units if you do notClause 18Amends section 814 of the Water Act to make unauthorised destruction of vegetation in a watercourse, lake or spring an offence.
•Developers must offset any adverse residual environmental impact, not just 'significant' onesClauses 21-30Removes the word 'significant' from the Environmental Offsets Act so offsets are required for any adverse residual impact on prescribed environmental matters.

17/3/2016· Hon J Trad MPRegional QueenslandFirst Nations

Environmental Protection (Chain of Responsibility) Amendment Bill 2016

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Abandoned mines and industrial sites are less likely to be left polluting because parent companies and directors can now be ordered to clean them upClause 7 (s 363AD)The administering authority may issue an environmental protection order to a related person of a high risk company, including requirements to prevent or minimise environmental harm or to rehabilitate or restore land.
•Courts cannot pause an environmental protection order during appeals if doing so would create an unacceptable risk of serious environmental harmClauses 13 and 15 (ss 522B, 535C)The Land Court or Planning and Environment Court must refuse a stay if satisfied there would be an unacceptable risk of serious or material environmental harm.
•Inspectors can enter closed or abandoned sites to check for pollution, even after the site's environmental authority has endedClause 9 (s 452)Authorised persons can enter a place where an environmental authority has ceased to operate by another law, with 2 business days notice.
•When a polluting business is sold to a new operator, the government can require the new holder to post financial assurance as a condition of transferClause 3 (s 215)

15/3/2016· Hon S Miles MPBusiness & EconomyJustice & Rights

Mineral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•You keep the right to object to a proposed mine in the Land Court on broad grounds including environmental impacts and public interestClause 92Reinstates the Land Court's ability to consider matters from any party on broad grounds including potential adverse environmental impacts, public right and interest, and conformity to sound land use management.
•Public notification of mining lease applications is retained, including newspaper notices, so communities know when a mine is proposed in their areaClauses 74-77Repeals MERCP Act provisions that would have replaced public notification with direct notification to affected persons only.
•Environmental authority applications for mines must still go through the public notification and objection processClauses 74-81Removes changes that would have limited notification and submissions on environmental authorities associated with mining tenure applications.

23/2/2016· Hon Dr A Lynham MPRegional QueenslandJustice & RightsCommittee: pass (dissent)

Mineral Resources (Aurukun Bauxite Resource) Amendment Bill 2016

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•A major bauxite project on Cape York must now go through normal environmental and community scrutiny, not a fast-tracked regimeClause 6
•Licence holders must follow the Land Access Code, which sets mandatory rules for how mining activities interact with the land and its ownersClause 4
•Landowners suffering hardship from a mine announcement can require the tenure holder to buy their property at fair market value under the At Risk agreementClauses 4 and 10

16/2/2016· Hon A Lynham MPFirst NationsRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Animal Management (Protecting Puppies) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

PassedThis bill became law.

•Contaminated livestock or biosecurity matter can be restricted even if they've left the affected propertyClause 48 (new s 162A, 162C)Allows the chief executive to declare a designated animal or designated biosecurity matter to be restricted if it could pose a biosecurity risk, independent of a restricted place.
•Giant pine scale is added to the banned 'prohibited matter' list to protect Queensland's pine forestsClause 68Inserts giant pine scale (Marchalina hellenica) in the list of prohibited matter affecting plants.
•Nine invasive plants including Scotch broom, sagittaria and silver-leaf nightshade are added to the restricted weeds listClause 69Adds asparagus fern, bridal veil, cane cactus, Eve's pin cactus, flax-leaf broom, Montpellier broom, sagittaria, Scotch broom and silver-leaf nightshade as category 3 invasive plants.
•Small hive beetle is removed from the restricted list because it's now widespread and has limited impact on honey productionClause 69Omits small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) from restricted matter affecting animals.

16/2/2016· Hon L Donaldson MPJustice & RightsBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Racing Integrity Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•A new independent Racing Integrity Commission oversees animal welfare in greyhound, thoroughbred and harness racing, ending industry self-regulationClauses 7-10The Commission is responsible for licensing animals, auditing control bodies, managing testing of animals, and safeguarding animal welfare in racing.
•Authorised officers can destroy a racing animal on the spot if keeping it alive would be cruel because of severe painClause 217An authorised officer may destroy or have an animal destroyed where they reasonably believe it is in pain to the extent that keeping it alive would be cruel.
•Using prohibited substances on a racing animal or interfering with one can attract up to 600 penalty unitsClauses 238-239Provides a maximum penalty of 600 penalty units for using a prohibited thing on or otherwise interfering with a licensed animal without reasonable excuse.
•Racing inspectors and animal welfare inspectors can now share information about cruelty investigations with each other and with policeClauses 283, 310Permits authorised officers to share information reasonably believed helpful about an animal or animal welfare offence with police and Animal Care and Protection Act inspectors.

3/12/2015· Hon B Byrne MPJustice & RightsBusiness & Economy

North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability and Others Acts Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Sand mining on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) must substantially end by 2019 instead of 2035, protecting the island's ecosystems 16 years soonerClauses 5-10Amends the object of the Act to 2019 and removes provisions added in 2013 that allowed Enterprise Mine leases to be renewed to 2035.
•A restricted mine path is restored at the Enterprise Mine, so dredging and dry mining can only happen in specific mapped areasClause 13 (new s 17)Environmental authority EPML00575913 is taken to include statutory conditions limiting mining activities to the restricted mine path until 31 December 2019.
•Any change to the mine path must avoid threatened ecosystems and cannot significantly increase environmental or cultural heritage impactsClause 13 (new s 19)
•Former mine sites across Queensland can be accessed by their previous operator to complete rehabilitation, even after the mining lease has endedClause 27 (new s 344A(3))

3/12/2015· Hon Dr S Miles MPFirst NationsBusiness & Economy

Planning Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Councils must still publicly consult before making or amending planning schemes, regional plans or State planning policiesClauses 10, 17, 18The Minister must publicly notify and allow at least 40 business days for submissions before making a State planning instrument.
•Penalties for unauthorised building work on a Queensland or local heritage place can reach 17,000 penalty units (around $2 million)Clause 162A high maximum penalty of 17,000 penalty units applies if the assessable development is on a Queensland heritage place or local heritage place.
•Anyone can bring an enforcement action in the Planning and Environment Court to stop or undo a breach of the planning lawsClause 179Open standing is provided to bring proceedings in the Planning and Environment Court to seek an enforcement order to remedy or restrain the commission of a development offence.
•Penalties for most planning offences are increased to 4,500 penalty units (about $565,000) to deter illegal clearing, building or land useClauses 161-164Maximum penalties for development offences have been increased from 1,665 penalty units under the old Act to 4,500 penalty units.

12/11/2015· Hon J Trad MPHousing & RentingGovernment & Elections

Planning and Environment Court Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•The court's jurisdiction over environmental, coastal, heritage, fisheries and vegetation matters under around 28 other Acts continues unchangedClause 7Clause 7 confirms the Planning and Environment Court has jurisdiction given to it under any Act (each an 'enabling Act'), covering planning and development, environmental protection, coastal protection, heritage, fisheries, marine parks and transport infrastructure.
•Anyone can ask the court for a declaration about whether a land use or development is lawful under the new Planning ActClause 11Any person may start a declaratory proceeding about the lawfulness of land use or development under the Planning Act, the interpretation of that Act or this Act, or a matter done or to be done under either Act.
•Enforcement orders against unlawful development can still be sought, and the court can award costs against people breaching those ordersClause 61If the court makes an enforcement order or interim enforcement order against a person, it may award costs against that person.

12/11/2015· Hon J Trad MPJustice & RightsHousing & Renting

Planning (Consequential) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Landowners facing compulsory surrender of coastal land in erosion-prone areas or within 40 metres of the foreshore get a right to make written submissions before the State decidesClause 145 (new sections 110-115AA)New section 111 provides that the chief executive must give a notice of proposed land surrender and allow 15 business days for the owner to make a written submission.
•The Vegetation Management Act 1999 is updated so 'self-assessable' vegetation clearing becomes 'accepted development' under the new planning categoriesClauses 621-625
•Obsolete rules about broadscale vegetation clearing and redundant conservation orders are removedClauses 334, 611-613
•Coastal plan-making is simplified because planning and development requirements move to the State Planning Policy under the new planning lawsClauses 135-137

12/11/2015· Hon J Trad MPGovernment & ElectionsHousing & Renting

Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Ecologically sustainable development is put back at the heart of how Queensland plans and allocates waterClause 12Replaces the new purpose of the Water Act with one focused on 'sustainable management' that incorporates the principles of ecologically sustainable development.
•Big water infrastructure projects can no longer secure an early, exclusive claim over a region's water without public consultationClause 15 (item 16)Omits the entire division of the Water Act that would have allowed the grant of water development options, citing risks to the Great Barrier Reef and over-allocation of water.
•All watercourses stay under the normal water licensing rules, rather than some being declared 'designated' and exemptClauses 13 and 15 (item 17)Removes provisions that would have allowed the declaration of designated watercourses where a water licence or permit was not required.
•A clear definition of ecologically sustainable development is added to the Water Act, drawn from the Commonwealth environment law and Australia's national ESD strategyClause 14Inserts new section 7 listing the principles of ecologically sustainable development, aligned with section 3A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth).

10/11/2015· Hon Dr A Lynham MPBusiness & EconomyRegional Queensland

North Stradbroke Island Protection and Sustainability (Renewal of Mining Leases) Amendment Bill 2015

WithdrawnThis bill was withdrawn from consideration and will not become law.

•Sand mining on North Stradbroke Island would end by the end of 2024, over a decade earlier than the existing 2035 timelineClause 3Amends the Object of the Act to end mining activities in the North Stradbroke Island Region by the end of 2024.
•Rehabilitation of mined land on the island would continue until the end of 2029 to help restore the environmentClause 3Allows for rehabilitation of land in the region to happen up until the end of 2029.
•Mining on leases 1105, 1117 and 1120 would be confined to a smaller 'restricted mine path' shown on a mapClauses 4 and 5Inserts a new Schedule 2B defining the restricted mine path and limits mineral winning to that area.
•The bill was discharged, so sand mining continued under the existing legal timeline rather than this earlier end date

27/10/2015· Mr Knuth MPFirst NationsRegional QueenslandCommittee: not recommended

Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Queensland's national parks will be managed primarily to protect nature, not for commercial or recreational usesClause 4Amends section 4 of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to reinstate 'the conservation of nature' as the sole object of the Act.
•Scientifically significant areas get the highest level of legal protection again - only Parliament can downgrade themClauses 6-7Reinstates the national park (scientific) class which can only be revoked by resolution of Parliament under sections 32 and 33.
•You can again make submissions when the government wants to change a park management planClauses 27, 45, 47Removes the exemption that let management plans be amended without public consultation if the change was to match State government policy.
•Grazing, agricultural and pastoral leases on national parks will no longer keep rolling over automatically and can be refused on conservation grounds when they expireClauses 39, 43Reverts rolling term leases within nature conservation areas and specified national parks back to term leases, allowing incompatible uses to be phased out.

27/10/2015· Hon Dr S Miles MPFirst NationsRegional QueenslandCommittee: not recommended

Liquid Fuel Supply (Ethanol and Other Biofuels Mandate) Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•More ethanol-blended and biodiesel fuels on the market are intended to cut greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehiclesPolicy objectivesThe Bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles by mandating biofuels.
•Only biofuels that meet sustainability criteria count towards the mandate, reducing the risk of harm to the Great Barrier ReefClause 6 (definitions)Sustainability criteria aim to reduce unintended environmental impacts such as increased use of fertiliser and runoff entering the Great Barrier Reef.
•Biodiesel from imported unsustainable palm oil is ruled out of the mandateIt will not be possible to count biodiesel produced from imported virgin palm oil from unsustainable sources towards meeting the biobased diesel mandate.
•The mandate encourages bio-manufacturing that turns agricultural waste and biomass into fuel instead of sending it to landfillBio-manufacturing uses advanced technologies to transform organic material such as agricultural feedstock and waste into a range of products including bio-crude oil.

15/9/2015· Hon M Bailey MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

State Development and Public Works Organisation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

PassedThis bill became law.

•You can once again formally object to a mining project's environmental approval, even when the Coordinator-General has already set the conditionsClause 5Omits section 47D of the SDPWO Act, reinstating the previous objection rights available to submitters on an environmental authority application.
•The Land Court can still recommend additional or amended environmental conditions on mining projects, provided they don't conflict with Coordinator-General conditionsClause 5The Land Court will be able to recommend additional conditions, or recommend that additional conditions added by the administering authority under the EP Act be amended.
•Community groups like Lock the Gate, the Environmental Defenders Office and farming organisations regain a legal pathway to challenge mining approvalsExplanatory Notes - ConsultationThe Department of Natural Resources and Mines met with stakeholders including Lock the Gate, the Environmental Defenders Office, AgForce Queensland and the Queensland Farmers Federation on the changes.

15/7/2015· Hon Dr A Lynham MPJustice & Rights

Agriculture and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

PassedThis bill became law.

•Queensland's 38 remaining forest reserves keep their legal protections and management rules instead of losing them on 7 November 2015Clauses 95-96Omits Part 4 and schedule 1 part 3 of the Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Act (No. 2) 2013 before they commence, keeping forest reserve provisions alive until remaining lands are transferred.
•Stricter, clearer rules stop ruminants, pigs and poultry being fed risky animal material that can spread diseases like mad cow diseaseClause 44 (new ss 46, 46A)Maximum 400 penalty units for feeding, supplying or failing to stop a ruminant, pig or poultry feeding on restricted animal material, subject to treatment-process and scientific-use exemptions.
•People helping with biosecurity work (like destroying diseased forest products) are protected from Forestry Act offencesClauses 86-88Offences for interfering with trees or forest products do not apply to a person acting under the Biosecurity Act 2014 where the matter is restricted matter.

14/7/2015· Hon W Byrne MPRegional QueenslandBusiness & EconomyCommittee: pass

Planning and Development (Planning for Prosperity) Bill 2015

WithdrawnThis bill was withdrawn from consideration and will not become law.

•Maximum fines for illegal development on Queensland or local heritage places were set at 17,000 penalty units (roughly $2 million)Clause 160(1)(a)Provides a high maximum penalty for assessable development without a permit on a Queensland heritage place or local heritage place, matching the Queensland Heritage Act 1992.
•Maximum fines for carrying out prohibited development or breaching development approvals jumped to 4,500 penalty units (around $512,000)Clauses 159-162Increases maximum penalties from 1,665 penalty units under the Sustainable Planning Act to align with the Regional Planning Interests Act 2014 and Environmental Protection Act 1994.
•Councils and the State kept powers to stop development that would seriously harm the environment through enforcement notices and court ordersChapter 5Retains extensive enforcement arrangements including show cause notices, enforcement notices, Magistrates Court proceedings and Planning and Environment Court enforcement orders.
•You could still appeal council development decisions in the specialist Planning and Environment Court rather than the Supreme CourtChapter 6The Bill ousts judicial review jurisdiction and channels planning appeals into the Planning and Environment Court, which has specialist expertise in planning and environmental matters.

4/6/2015· Mr T Nicholls MPHousing & RentingGovernment & ElectionsCommittee: not recommended

Planning and Development (Planning Court) Bill 2015

WithdrawnThis bill was withdrawn from consideration and will not become law.

•Enforcement appeals about environmental and planning notices would continue to be heard by this specialised courtClause 45For a Planning Act appeal by the recipient of an enforcement notice, the enforcement authority must establish the appeal should be dismissed.
•Anyone can ask the court to declare whether a land use or development is lawful, including under coastal and airport land use plansClause 11Any person may start a proceeding seeking a declaration about the lawfulness of land use or development, or the construction of land use plans under the Airport Assets Act and Transport Infrastructure Act.
•The court does not gain criminal jurisdiction — environmental offences continue to be prosecuted in the Magistrates or District CourtThe Bill does not confer criminal jurisdiction on the court; those charged with development and environmental offences are brought before the Magistrates Court or District Court.

4/6/2015· Mr T Nicholls MPJustice & RightsHousing & Renting

Planning and Development (Planning for Prosperity—Consequential Amendments) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

WithdrawnThis bill was withdrawn from consideration and will not become law.

•Major coordinated projects assessed by the Coordinator-General get a faster path to an environmental authority with fewer information and public notice stepsClauses 207-212Amends sections 125, 126, 139, 150, 153 and 161 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 so general application, information and notification requirements do not apply where an Impact Assessment Report has been completed under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971.
•Vegetation clearing categories are renamed from 'self-assessable' to 'accepted development', though the underlying rules about what you can and can't clear don't changePart 65 (Clauses 592-596)
•Public submission rights on coordinated projects are limited to environmental risks that have changed since the project was first publicly notifiedClauses 211-212Amendments to sections 153 and 161 limit public notification and submitter rights to changes in environmental risks since the IAR was publicly notified.
•Coordinator-General's environmental conditions on coordinated projects are excluded from the normal appeal processClause 228Amends schedule 2 (Original decisions) of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to exclude the Coordinator-General's conditions imposed in the IAR from being an 'original decision'.

4/6/2015· Mr T Nicholls MPGovernment & ElectionsBusiness & Economy

Sustainable Ports Development Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•No new industrial port can be built in most of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage AreaClause 32An assessment manager must refuse a development application for a new port facility within the World Heritage Area but outside existing port limits, or inside the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park.
•Capital dredging for new or expanded ports is confined to four priority ports and banned elsewhere on the reef coastClause 33An approving authority must not grant an approval for capital dredging in the restricted area except at a priority port's master planned area.
•Dumping port dredge spoil at sea in the World Heritage Area is banned - it must be reused on land where safeClause 34Approval for disposal of prescribed dredge material can only be granted if it is impracticable to beneficially reuse the material and it is placed on non-tidal land consistent with principles of ecologically sustainable development.
•Every priority port must have a long-term master plan with an environmental management framework mapping reef and coastal valuesClause 8A master plan must identify and map environmental values in the master planned area and state priority management measures for managing impacts.

3/6/2015· Hon A Lynham MPBusiness & EconomyRegional QueenslandCommittee: pass

Payroll Tax Rebate, Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•Environmental regulators can cancel Transitional Environmental Programs when the business agrees or has stopped the activityClause 47 (new sections 344E-344G)New Division 3B of the Environmental Protection Act allows cancellation where the holder agrees, has given notice of ceasing, or the authority knows the activity has stopped.
•Temporary Emissions Licences used in emergencies (like flood events) can be cancelled once they are no longer neededClause 50Amends section 357J to allow cancellation of a TEL if the holder agrees or has notified that the activity has ceased.
•Removes a legal barrier to extending the life of the Mount Isa copper smelter beyond 2016Clause 47Explanatory notes state cancellation of an unnecessary TEP removes a potential conflict of conditions and supports the smelter's ongoing operation.

27/3/2015· Hon C Pitt MPBusiness & EconomyCost of LivingHousing & RentingGovernment & Elections

Exhibited Animals Bill 2015

Passed (amended)This bill became law after being modified during debate.

•A wider range of native and exotic animals can be legally exhibited in Queensland if operators can show risks to animals and the environment are properly managedClause 58The chief executive may grant an exhibition licence for any species if satisfied relevant risks and adverse effects would be appropriately managed under the management plan.
•High-risk exotic pest species must be kept at a fixed public exhibit like a zoo, reducing the chance they escape and establish as pestsClauses 71-76Prohibited matter animals under the Biosecurity Act 2014 must be based in a fixed exhibit open to the public; mobile exhibition only under a one-year special exhibition approval.
•Exhibitors have a clear new duty to prevent environmental harm, animal cruelty and disease spread, backed by fines of up to 750 penalty unitsClauses 18-19Imposes a general exhibition and dealing obligation on responsible persons to take reasonable and practical steps to prevent or minimise animal welfare, biosecurity and safety risks.
•Requiring species that cannot be kept privately to be regularly exhibited reduces demand that drives illegal taking of wildlife from the wildClauses 75-76Minimum exhibition periods deter private collectors operating under the guise of keeping for exhibition and contain demand for animals that could trigger illegal take from the wild.

27/3/2015· Hon W Byrne MPBusiness & EconomySafety & EmergencyCommittee: pass