Queensland Deputy Premier pushes for powers to seize land for private projects

Queensland's Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie is pushing for legislative changes that would grant the government expanded powers to acquire land for private development projects. The proposed amendments to the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act would allow the state to more easily use its resumption powers, typically reserved for public purposes like roads and hospitals, to support private developers.

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changes were 'all about' overriding environmental and other laws to simplify approvals and ignite an 'investment bonanza' in Queensland.

Bleijie has explicitly stated that the changes are designed to "override environmental and other laws" to simplify approvals and foster an "investment bonanza" in Queensland. He cited the proposed $140 million Whitsunday Skytree cable-car project, intended to connect Airlie Beach to a mountain in Conway National Park, as an example where these new powers could be utilized if land ownership issues arise.

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If there are issues with land ownership and tenure, we can utilise acquisition powers a lot quicker now under this new legislation.

However, the proposal faces significant opposition. Critics, including environmental groups and local residents, fear the legislation could lead to government land grabs and undermine environmental protections. At a parliamentary hearing, Mackay coal miner Thomas McDonagh warned against a "rush for profit" that could "destroy our land" and allow "graft and corruption."

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Guess what? That's what the legislation is all about, and that's what it's designed for…

The Queensland Resources Council acknowledged the bill could reduce duplication in applications for large projects, but environmental advocates like the Environmental Defenders Office argue that projects with lasting impacts require greater scrutiny, not less. They also question the government's justification for the changes, noting a lack of specific case studies demonstrating the necessity for such broad new powers.

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I think we all know that we are at the beginning of a major boon both in oil and gas in the Taroom Trough, and in critical minerals. But we should not, in the rush for profit, allow the resources curse to take hold and destroy our land, and allow the rot of graft and corruption to line the halls of power.