Queenslanders can have their say on how the state’s extraordinary biodiversity values can continue to be protected and improved as the state continues to grow.
Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said the current environmental offsets framework has been in effect for four years and now is the right time to evaluate how well it is performing and identify areas for improvement.
“The release of a discussion paper on the environmental offsets framework is key to identifying ways to balance growth while maintaining our environmental capital,” Minister Enoch said.
“We will be looking at outcomes that have already been delivered to make sure they are providing a net benefit for Queensland’s biodiversity, and will explore options to improve the framework where required.
“This is isn’t about stopping infrastructure.
“But when development has been through other checks and balances and has an unavoidable impact on the environment, environmental offsets offer a path to counterbalance this impact.
“I want Queensland to be a leader in the environmental offsets field, and we will be working with key stakeholders to identify what is working and what is not.
“I am also committed to ensuring that all options to avoid or minimise impacts to the environment are considered first as part of the development assessment process, before environmental offsets are considered.
The Queensland Government invites all stakeholders to have their say on the current environmental offsets framework.
The discussion paper can be viewed online at https://www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/.
Feedback on the discussion paper can be sent to the Department of Environment and Science until close of business 15 April 2019.
Following the release of the discussion paper, the Queensland Government will also work with representatives from local government, business, industry and the conservation sector to address any issues that are identified.
