- Crisafulli Government releases baseline study to inform the development of the Julia Creek/Richmond Critical Minerals Zone.
- Study helps proponents avoid duplication with pre-prepared baseline data.
- Part of a package of work that would potentially slash assessment timeframes by up to two years.
- Queenslanders are now seeing 10 months of delivery under the Crisafulli Government, after a decade of decline under Labor which saw mining approvals slow to a crawl.
The Crisafulli Government is sending a strong signal that Queensland is open for business by delivering faster approvals for critical minerals projects, with the release of a new study that slashes assessment timeframes for new mines in North-West Queensland.
The Julia Creek/Richmond Critical Minerals Zone Social Baseline Study, led by Critical Minerals Queensland in partnership with the Office of the Coordinator-General, examines the social and economic impacts of proposed mining developments in the region.
It forms part of a broader package of baseline studies being progressed with other key state government agencies as part of the Resources Cabinet Committee's work to streamline approvals.
These further studies will deliver critical data on water availability and key environmental considerations that can be used by all proponents in the Critical Mineral Zone, with the combined package of work having the potential to accelerate project assessments by as much as two years.
After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy by delivering more jobs for regional Queensland and restoring investor confidence in the mining sector.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the release of the Social Baseline Study demonstrated the Crisafulli Government's commitment to getting projects off the ground faster.
"North-West Queensland is rich in critical minerals deposits, and we want to create an environment where industry can plan with confidence to create more jobs and opportunities," Minister Last said.
"The study released today looks at what impacts will be felt in the region if a few or all proposed vanadium projects become operational by 2031.
"This baseline data equips both proponents and regulators with vital insights into the potential impacts on local communities, to support ongoing work to create lasting community benefits.
"This work helps project proponents, local community stakeholders and government agencies avoid duplication so they can get on with their developments faster.
"That means jobs can be created faster and North-West Queensland communities can see the benefits of critical minerals investment earlier.
"The study also helps proponents and community leaders understand the social impacts and plan for the next wave of critical minerals investment.
"After a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, which left projects in limbo while activists called the shots, the Crisafulli Government is delivering faster approvals and backing industry to create more regional jobs in Queensland.
"This study is another example of how the Crisafulli Government is creating an environment where companies can invest with confidence, knowing they've got a clear and streamlined pathway towards project approval."
The study can be found online at: https://www.nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au/mining-exploration/investors/critical-minerals/cmq-office
