Mining lease objections review
The Queensland Government has 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 have also been 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
The review started on 5 June 2023. Starting in August 2023, we began releasing a series of background papers, which are intended to provide information on topics relevant to the review. We will publish a consultation paper in July 2024. It will include questions for consultation and invite submissions, to be made by the end of September.
Our final report with recommendations will be given to the government by 30 June 2025.
Timeline
