The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has urged a parliamentary committee to endorse proposed legislation that will streamline the state’s resources approval framework, while recommending key practical adjustments to boost investment certainty.
Appearing before the committee examining the Mineral Resources and Other Legislation Amendment (MROLA) Bill, the peak industry body said the legislation marks a vital step toward creating a more efficient, predictable, and transparent approvals process without compromising environmental standards.
QRC CEO Janette Hewson noted that while the resources sector supports rigorous environmental oversight and community engagement, existing approval channels are frequently slowed down by administrative duplication and lengthy processes that fail to enhance environmental outcomes.
“The MROLA Bill will help streamline project approvals, reduce unnecessary delays and ensure objection processes remain focused on those directly affected by a project,” Hewson said.
To further strengthen the legislation, the QRC outlined several targeted recommendations. These include refining provisions around objection standing to restrict who can lodge legal challenges, streamlining the ongoing management of objections, and preventing broad, repeating policy debates from re-litigating individual project applications during tribunal or court proceedings.
Hewson pointed out that Queensland operates in a highly competitive global market for resource capital, making streamlined regulatory frameworks essential for attracting future development.
“Queensland is competing globally for investment. We need an approvals system that is efficient, transparent and gives investors confidence while maintaining strong protections for communities and the environment,” Hewson said.
“We encourage the Committee to support the Bill and consider QRC’s recommendations to ensure Queensland remains an attractive destination for investment, jobs and regional growth.”
The parliamentary committee is currently reviewing public and industry submissions on the MROLA Bill before reporting back to parliament.
