The Queensland Government has introduced legislation before State Parliament that will aim to significantly cut red tape and streamline regulatory approval in the resources sector.

 

State Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Andrew Cripps, introduced the Mines Legislation (Streamlining) Amendment Bill 2012 with an aim to achieve a ‘less cumbersome and more efficient regulatory framework.’

 

“Industry leaders have said the Queensland resources sector is currently 'plagued by process' and our international investment reputation is suffering as a result,” Mr Cripps said. 

 

“That's why reducing red tape is an essential element of the government's commitment to reform mining and resource tenure management and approvals.” 

 

Mr Cripps said the bill is a significant first step to modernising and streamlining the state’s regulatory framework.

 

The bill proposes to:

 

  • modernise the tenure administration system and reduce the time taken for each tenure decision under the Streamlining Approvals Project; 
  • clarify legislation so that resource activities (such as exploration) and development activities (such as transport and infrastructure development) can coexist; 
  • clarify an application of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to hazardous chemicals and major hazard facilities; and 
  • support the delivery of coal seam gas to liquefied natural gas, or CSG-to-LNG, projects in Queensland.