Mining lease objections review

Statement from the Chair

On 4 March 2025 the Attorney-General formally withdrew the reference for this review. The review commenced on 5 June 2023, with the final report and recommendations due shortly, by 30 June 2025.

The consultations for this review were extensive and wide ranging. I speak for the Commissioners and our Secretariat staff in thanking the many individuals, communities and professional associations who met with us, sharing their experiences, expertise and ideas during meetings, workshops and in detailed submissions. The publications for this review demonstrate the value of the constructive and collaborative discussions we have had about this important and complex process.

This reference provided the opportunity for independent advice to reform a complex and dated process. The Commission was well advanced in developing its recommendations. Although disappointed we cannot finalise this work, we respect this is a matter for the Attorney-General.

The Attorney-General advised me the Government’s Resources Cabinet Committee will consider policies and initiatives for the resources sector. To facilitate that work, and to make good use of the public resources devoted to this review, the Commission has provided the Minister for Resources with a folder of working papers. The working papers, which can be accessed here, capture the valuable contributions of the many who engaged with the review and the Commission's deep research and considered analysis in fulfilling the terms of reference for this review.

On behalf of the Commissioners, I thank the mining review team in the Secretariat for their dedication and professionalism, both during the review and in ensuring its orderly closure.

Review

On 5 April 2023 the Queensland Government asked us to review and make recommendations about the processes to decide contested applications for mining leases in Queensland under the Mineral Resources Act 1989 and associated environmental authorities under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, including review of such decisions.

We were also asked to consider:

• whether any changes we recommend should apply to applications for production tenures under particular resources Acts (the Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2009, the Geothermal Energy Act 2010, and the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004)
• how any changes we recommend will interact with decisions made under a range of other Queensland Government and Australian Government Acts
• the implications of other Acts, including
  • Human Rights Act 2019
  • Judicial Review Act 1991.

The public and private interests in mining projects include ensuring ongoing investment and sustainable growth in resource projects, and protecting the environment, cultural heritage, community, agricultural and landowner interests. The mining objections process is one way those interests are taken into account in making decisions about mining projects.

Terms of Reference

The Commission received Terms of Reference from the Attorney-General on 5 April 2023 for a review starting on 5 June 2023.

Timeline

Current status

On 4 March 2025, the Attorney-General gave notice that she had withdrawn the reference for this review.

Meetings and forums

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