The Newman government’s Resources Cabinet Committee announced changes last week (July 17) that will streamline the environmental impact statement (EIS) and social impact assessment (SIA) processes.
This will cut red tape and make it easier to invest in Queensland’s resources, a move which has been warmly welcomed by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).
“What we are seeing again from this government is a commitment to outcomes over process in the shared interests of industry, communities and the environment,” said QRC chief executive Michael Roche in a July 17 press release.
“The introduction of risk-based, generic terms of reference for EIS processes is expected to translate into a significant reduction in unnecessary costs and delays to major resource projects.”
Deputy premier and minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said that this means “more jobs for Queenslanders”.
“The committee is focused on working to reduce the onerous red-tape burden on resource companies and our new approach to developments will make it easier to invest in the state’s resources,” Mr Seeney said.
These new changes could come as good news to those pursuing apprenticeships in Queensland as major resource projects are able to get off the ground faster.
