Queensland has passed new legislation to supercharge its critical minerals sector, positioning the state to capture global investment while attempting to balance primary production with industrial expansion.
The State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (2026) passed state parliament, providing new framework tools to streamline and fast-track major projects.
Under the reforms, declaring an initiative as a ‘State Strategic Project’ will accelerate administrative processes. However, the government clarified that the mechanism will not automatically approve projects or bypass existing environmental, planning, or cultural heritage requirements.
The nation-leading reforms strike a balance between facilitating investment and protecting the interests of Queenslanders who live and work in areas where major projects are proposed.
In response to feedback from agricultural peak bodies during parliamentary committee stages, the government introduced key amendments to carve out specific sectors and preserve primary production protections.
They include excluding renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, and battery projects, along with data centres, from being declared State Strategic Projects.
Regional Interests Development Approvals (RIDAs) remain fully protected, ensuring safeguards stay intact for prime agricultural land and cropping areas. Mandatory consultation, notice periods, compensation rules, and access authority protections are explicitly preserved.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Jarrod Bleijie pointed out that the state can support both resources and agriculture without sacrificing regional landholders.
“This legislation gives us the tools to attract investment, create jobs and build new industries, particularly in rural and regional Queensland where the benefits of critical minerals development can be transformational.”
Industry stakeholders broadly welcomed the passage. Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO Kylie Porter praised the government for retaining the RIDA protections, noting that prime agricultural land is a finite resource.
Meanwhile, Queensland Resources Council CEO Janette Hewson highlighted that the legislation, backed by a AU$250 million Critical Minerals Fund and common-user infrastructure plans, provides crucial momentum in a competitive global market.
“These initiatives will help position Queensland at a time when we are competing with other states and countries around the world for critical minerals investment,” Hewson said.
