The federal and Queensland governments have agreed on a deal designed to streamline the environmental approvals process, which could provide a much needed boost to the mining, construction and resources industries in Queensland.
The two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 25, giving the state more power to conduct environmental assessments and approvals for major projects.
The MoU begins a process of reducing unnecessary regulations, which will encourage faster approvals without compromising high environmental standards.
The proposed one-stop shop for environmental approvals will cut the duplication and administrative burden on projects while maintaining current environmental protection, said Federal Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt.
Queensland’s construction, resources and mining sectors are expected to respond to the improved approvals process with increased industry confidence.
As businesses receive faster approvals and avoid unnecessarily delays, industry activity should rise, leading to improvement in opportunities for employment and apprenticeships in Queensland.
The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) said that the minerals industry has long advocated the need to streamline federal and state processes.
The recent announcement sets about remedying the problem of complex development approval regulations, which have increased significantly in the past seven years, according to MCA CEO Mitch Hooke.
