"Cruel joke": Controversial development Bill gets committee greenlight

Conservationists and regional Queenslanders have expressed dismay after a controversial Bill that would give the State Government far-reaching powers to ignore its own laws to fast track developments was given the green light by a parliamentary committee. 

The State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 would dramatically expand the State Government’s ability to seize land, curtail community consultation, and change or sidestep other laws completely to fast track projects hand picked by the Minister for State Development and the Coordinator-General.

Today, the Primary Industries and Resources Committee released a report recommending the Bill be passed with no changes, hours after dozens of community members rallied outside State Parliament urging the Bill be scrapped.

Queensland Conservation Council Acting Director Anthony Gough said:

“This is a deeply flawed Bill that rides roughshod over Queensland landholders, community rights, and the state’s precious natural environment. For the committee to recommend it be passed with ‘no notes’ is a cruel joke.

“This Bill gives the Minister of the day far-reaching powers to declare any development a State Significant Project and decide which laws will apply to it and which won’t. 

“That means for any pet project they like, the Minister of the day can seize land, cut community consultation to zero, ignore any environmental concerns, and push it through regardless of any other law on the books. 

“We’ve heard from regional communities up and down the state that are alarmed about the impact of this Bill, especially its potential to allow development inside our precious National Parks.

“In the Far North, Traditional Owners on Cape Flattery have grave concerns this Bill will fast track silica mining that would tear up 1000 hectares of their traditional Country. Residents in the Gold Coast hinterland are concerned this could greenlight the Springbrook cableway which would have a devastating impact on World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests.

“The State Government needs to slow down and listen to the thousands of farmers, regional  Queenslanders and conservationists who have spoken up against this Bill and its impacts.

“We’re urging Premier Crisafulli to pull this Bill from parliament and go back to square one, giving the community the time and respect it deserves to consult and input on the Bill before bringing it back.”

Lock the Gate Queensland Coordinator Maggie Mckeown said:

“This decision is a betrayal to farmers and regional communities who haven't been heard throughout this process, and would be locked out of their right to scrutinise projects impacting their land, water and livelihoods under this Bill.

“Farmers we have spoken to are hugely concerned about this Bill and the way it’s being rammed through.

“This Government has refused to listen to the concerns of a wide range of stakeholders critical of this Bill, including Property Rights Australia, Agforce, the Queensland Farmers Federation, the Queensland Law Society, Cotton Australia, local government, and conservationists.

“They have ignored the hundreds of farmers and regional Queenslanders who’ve written an open letter calling on the Deputy Premier and Queensland government to withdraw these dangerous laws.

“The only public hearing was held at short notice in Mackay and stacked with mining industry representatives. Just this week we’ve heard the Deputy Premier had multiple meetings with the mining magnate Gina Rinehart in the weeks before the Bill was tabled.

“Meanwhile, Farmers, First Nations groups and regional communities haven’t had a meaningful opportunity to raise their concerns.

“The LNP once represented regional Queenslanders, but the way they’re rushing through these laws without respecting farmers shows how much they’re willing to sacrifice to support big business interests.”

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