- New legislation will fast-track the next wave of critical minerals and other State significant projects
- Major projects will be declared State Strategic Projects, streamlining regulatory pathways and improving investment certainty across industries.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy with the introduction of new legislation that will fast-track the next wave of critical minerals and other State significant projects.
Unlocking projects to extract, process and export Queensland's world-class critical minerals is a major priority for the Crisafulli Government, as it seeks to continue strengthening the State's economy.
The State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 will be modernised to further accelerate ventures recognised as significant to the State.
The amendments will allow the declaration of State Strategic Projects and new powers to assist the delivery of projects of the highest significance and priority, whilst continuing to responsibly manage their impacts.
Systems for planning and coordinating the provision of key enabling infrastructure for resources projects and communities – such as roads and easements for power lines and water pipelines - as well as infrastructure in State Development Areas, will also be improved.
The reforms will apply to critical mineral projects as well as other projects of State significance, such as ecotourism projects.
They will allow the Government to recognise a tier of projects of the highest importance to Queensland as priorities emerge, streamlining regulatory pathways and improving investment certainty across industries.
These projects have the potential to drive investment, create jobs, boost sovereign capabilities and strengthen regional economies.
After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and certainty for the State's resources sector.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said Queensland was open for business and positioning as a globally preferred destination for critical minerals investment.
"Queensland has an abundance of critical minerals and we're grabbing hold of an incredible opportunity. A new wave of resources investment is on the way and we're giving investors the certainty they need to get projects started sooner."
"During Labor's decade of decline, major projects were trapped in bureaucracy, investment confidence collapsed and regional communities paid the price."
"We're sending a clear message to the resources, critical minerals, even tourism sectors, as well as communities - Queensland welcomes projects that create jobs, support regional communities and strengthen our economy."
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the Crisafulli Government was committed to attracting further investment in critical minerals projects and letting the world know Queensland is open for business.
"Queensland's resources are world-class and we are well on the way to putting our state on the map as a critical minerals investment destination," Minister Last said.
"Our North West Minerals Province is already home to exciting projects like Graphinex's Esmeralda graphite project, Vecco's vanadium project and the Sugarbag Hill Ultra High Purity Quartz Sand project, all preparing to meet future global demands for critical minerals."
Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson said the Queensland Government's commitment will support investment in the emerging critical minerals sector and new job creation.
"QRC welcomes the streamlined approval pathways which will put Queensland in a better position to unlock the potential of our abundance of the critical minerals our key trading partners around the world need to power defence, vehicle electrification, and the AI boom," Ms Hewson said.
"Timely approvals that get new projects to production faster are a key consideration for investors in the resources sector so this Bill introduced by the Government is a positive step for the industry."
Association and Mining and Exploration Companies CEO Warren Pearce said critical minerals development didn't stop at the mine gate and planning for long-term infrastructure such as ports, rail networks, and water and energy supply needed to be coordinated and forward-looking.
"For many critical minerals projects, particularly in regional and remote areas, access to well-coordinated infrastructure is often the difference between a project proceeding or stalling," Mr Pearce said.
"Better planning and alignment will give greater certainty and help projects move from discovery to production faster.
"These reforms recognise the importance of partnering with industry to plan and deliver infrastructure that supports both mining development and regional communities.
"Strengthening coordination across government and prioritising enabling infrastructure will improve project timelines, reduce duplication, and enhance Queensland's attractiveness as an investment destination."
Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said the legislative update meant Queensland was even better prepared to become a world leader in critical minerals.
"Queensland is leading the way in streamlining the processes that attract and support new critical minerals projects," Mr Coggan said.
"The state now has a regulatory framework that will provide increased support to the development of critical minerals projects and state strategic projects, as well as an improved framework for State Development Areas where businesses can capitalise on the sector's supply chain opportunities."
