With the recent change of government, many landholders eagerly await news from the Queensland government about proposed changes to land access and objection rights for landholders affected by exploration and mining projects.

The Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014 curtailed the right to object to mining development.  It also removed the 600m rule that afforded protection to landholder’s residences against unwanted exploration.  The Common Provisions Act also introduced measures to allow mining companies and landholders to “opt out” of the protections afforded by the statutory negotiation framework for CSG mining.

Prior to the election, then Leader of the Opposition Annastacia Palaszczuk, MP committed to restoring “the rights of communities, residents and individuals to developments without the prospect of harsh financial penalties”.

P&E Law will continue to notify updates as they become available.

This information provides advice of a general nature only and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

Published 7 April 2015.