AusIMM's expertise shapes Queensland environmental protection reforms

AusIMM is pleased to announce a successful outcome from its advocacy efforts in Queensland, with the State Government broadly accepting key recommendations from our submission on proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act (EP Act).

This success demonstrates the value of AusIMM's balanced, credible, and evidence-backed perspective in shaping regulatory frameworks that balance efficient administration, industry practicality, and core environmental and community protections.

The Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation has confirmed it will proceed with major reforms that directly reflect our feedback, including:

• Proceeding with Mandatory Codes, starting with small-scale mining: The government will prioritise the development of technically sound, risk-responsive Mandatory Codes, with small-scale mining as the "first cab off the rank" for a Q1 2026 rollout. This aligns with our recommended phased approach and focus on technically robust, risk-responsive codes.
• Maintenance of Flexibility: The government will not proceed with proposed Best Practice Environmental Management Codes and will focus on maintaining a flexible approach to environmental conditions, moving away from a rigid, one-size-fits-all model.
• Progressive Rehabilitation Backstop: Legislative changes will clarify that Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan requirements apply even where an Environmental Approval is not in place, ensuring no environmental obligations "fall through the cracks."

These outcomes are a testament to our members' professional expertise and our commitment to advancing the resources sector for the benefit of the community.

AusIMM extends its sincere gratitude to the members of the Social and Environment Committee for their invaluable technical contributions to this submission. Your expertise was instrumental in achieving this positive result.

The work is now shifting from policy to implementation. AusIMM has attended a series of additional briefings with government and is continuing to engage to ensure the new legislation is put into practice effectively and with an appropriate sequence. Our focus remains on contributing technical detail to the proposed Mandatory Codes and ensuring a smooth transition to the new framework.

You can view the AusIMM's original submission on the Queensland EP Act amendments here.