The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies has applauded the Queensland Government’s decision to scrap a review of mining lease objections processes citing more duplication in an already burdened sector.
Initiated by the previous state government, the review was being conducted by the Queensland Law Reform Commission and had been ongoing since 5 June 2023.
AMEC Chief Executive Warren Pearce says the review was treading over old ground, and many of the issues already have dedicated actions underway.
“The review started almost two years ago and was yet to deliver an outcome,” Pearce says.
The recently elected Crisafulli government has now cancelled the review.
“This is a common sense approach by Attorney-General Deb Frecklington MP and the Queensland Government,” Pearce says.
“There are great opportunities for new projects, growth and jobs in Queensland. By focusing on policy initiatives that streamline processes and remove red tape, there will be more value added to the economy and local supply chains.
“Spending less time on reviews and more time on solutions to reduce delays and improve approval time frames is supported by industry.
“There are already multiple processes in place for the community to challenge projects they deem unworthy in their local area. To have people and professional protestors from outside the state holding up projects is anti-productive.”
One of the key priorities outlined by the new Queensland Government was the establishment of the Resources Cabinet Committee (RCC).
The RCC will consider initiatives to maintain and improve the competitiveness of Queensland’s resources sector.
“Moving the Mining Lease Objection Review to the agenda of the RCC is a positive step for the industry and the community,” Pearce says.
Mining is Queensland’s largest industry, generating $120.2 billion, or around 24% of the state’s economic contribution, in the 2024 financial year.
That was a $116.8 billion increase on the previous financial year and the fifth consecutive record annual economic contribution, according to the Queensland Resources Council.
Write to Angela East at Mining.com.au
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