AgForce is calling for a whole-of-government approach to Queensland’s proposed mining approvals reforms, warning that streamlining one part of the system must not create gaps across resources, environment and water regulation.
Following its call last week for stronger landholder safeguards under the Mineral Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, AgForce says it is equally important to ensure regulatory and assessment processes work together.
AgForce General President Shane McCarthy said both agriculture and resources were critical to regional Queensland’s prosperity, and producers needed confidence that the approvals system would protect their interests.
“Being at the inaugural Hughenden Bull Sale over the weekend was a reminder of just how important strong, productive agricultural industries are to our regional communities,” Mr McCarthy said.
“Queensland’s agricultural and resources sectors both make significant contributions to our regional economies. We need an approvals system that supports their coexistence without compromising the land and water resources producers rely on.
“Mining approvals don’t operate in isolation. A decision made under resources legislation can have consequences for agricultural land, water and environmental protections.”
Mr McCarthy said the interaction between mining approvals, environmental assessments and water regulation needed particular attention.
“Water systems don’t follow mining lease boundaries, and impacts can extend well beyond an individual development,” he said.
“Producers need certainty about which assessment process considers those impacts, how they can raise concerns and what happens if an issue is overlooked.”
AgForce is calling on the Queensland Government to demonstrate how the relevant legislation and regulatory processes will work together, ensuring landholders have clear and effective pathways to raise concerns about potential impacts.
“Producers shouldn’t have to navigate multiple pieces of legislation to work out who is responsible for protecting their interests,” Mr McCarthy said.
“We support a more efficient approvals system, but the different parts of that system must work together.
“This is an opportunity for the Government to get the framework right across all portfolios, providing certainty for investment without compromising agricultural land and water protections.”
