- Compliance costs, delays and uncertainty under the spotlight as Queensland Productivity Commission commences independent inquiry.
- Stakeholder submissions and regional consultation events to shape assessment of economic impacts and inform Queensland's response to federal reforms.
- Inquiry follows the Crisafulli Government's calls for the Taroom Trough to be considered under the EPBC's National Interest Fast-Track Assessment, as part of the plan to boost critical fuel storage and reduce reliance on global supply chains.
The Crisafulli Government is urging Queenslanders to have their say on the Federal Government's changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC), following widespread concern the legislation could impact jobs, investment and regional communities across the State.
The independent Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) is now calling for public submissions as part of the inquiry examining concerns about compliance costs, delays and uncertainty, as well as the impacts of excluding resources projects from the EPBC National Interest Fast‑Track Assessment Pathway.
Input is being sought from stakeholders in a range of key industries across Queensland, including the agricultural, housing, construction and resources sectors.
The inquiry follows the Crisafulli Government's call for the Federal Government to recognise projects like the Taroom Trough as a project of national interest and assess it under existing fast-track approval processes.
Treasurer David Janetzki said there are significant opportunities for projects which can boost Queensland's economy and help secure sovereign capabilities.
"Queensland's economic strength has been built on the industries that feed, fuel and supply markets right across the world," Treasurer Janetzki said.
"It is a reputation forged over 150 years, and it must not be put at risk by national policy failure.
"Queensland has some of the most stringent environmental approvals in the world and if the Federal Government is serious about improving productivity, it must reassess the exclusion of resource projects from the fast-track process.
"We've heard examples of EPBC approvals for new housing lots taking over five years, delaying the construction of tens of thousands of new homes.
"Creating jobs, lifting productivity and ensuring environmental policy strengthens our economy is firmly in the national interest.
"Queensland is open for business, and the Crisafulli Government is focused on delivering policy settings that support growth, not slow it down.
"This stands in stark contrast to the former Labor government which oversaw years of declining productivity, abolished the QPC and then voted against our legislation to re-establish it."
With many aspects of the EPBC Act changes yet to be fully implemented, the QPC's comprehensive and independent assessment will inform how Queensland engages with the Commonwealth in bilateral negotiations and implementation processes.
The QPC is seeking input from landholders, businesses, industry groups, environmental organisations and the community, with the initial submission period open until 13 July.
Stakeholders in communities across the state are also encouraged to register their interest for in-person consultations in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Roma, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast.
An interim report is due to be released in November 2026 followed by a further round of consultation, with the final report to be provided to government in April 2027.
