THE Queensland Government has taken significant steps over the past week to overhaul environmental approval processes for coal and mineral exploration in the state and bring the federal government’s vision for a ‘one-stop-shop’ for approvals closer to fruition.
Late last week the Queensland State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the federal government to work towards the ‘one-stop-shop’ vision, which forms a key part of Commonwealth’s Exploration Development Incentive policy.
The MOU with the Abbott Government came just days after Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Andrew Cripps, announced new administrative efficiencies intended to ensure general exploration permits are ruled on within 90 days of application.
The minister said Applications subject to native title considerations will be decided within 12 months.
AREEA’s executive director, industry Scott Barklamb welcomed the move to streamline environment approval processes in Queensland and commended the state government for balancing the interests of native title holders, land owners and agriculture operations.
“It currently averages almost two years for a resources company to get a response on whether its minerals exploration permit in Queensland has been approved or rejected,” Mr Barklamb said.
“For an industry that directly employs 75,000 people in Queensland and many more in allied construction and servicing sectors, the current delay is simply not good enough.
“Australia is competing for new resource industry investment in an increasingly global marketplace. Streamlining approvals for new exploration activity is critical to restoring some of our nation’s competitive edge that has been eroded in recent years.
“AREEA commends the Queensland Government for leading the way on more efficient and competitive regulatory and administrative processes.
“We are confident these proactive moves by our states, when implemented alongside the Abbott Government’s Exploration Development Incentive scheme, will breathe new life into Australia’s exploration sector.”
For more information, click here.
