Farmers and conservationists unite against critical minerals bill

The Queensland parliamentary committee has approved a critical minerals bill without making any amendments, despite objections from farmers and conservationists. Conservationists demonstrated outside state MPs' offices, expressing concern that the bill grants the government the authority to expedite environmental processes. Queensland farmers and conservationists have joined forces to urge for the scrapping of the bill, citing potential overreach that could endanger the environment and property rights.

The committee recommended the government pass the bill unchanged, despite criticisms during the public consultation period. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie claimed the bill would bring billions of dollars in economic prosperity to Queensland, but its opponents have taken to the streets across the state to protest. The bill, introduced by the deputy premier in June, is a result of a critical minerals deal between Australia and the US signed last year.

Bleijie highlighted the importance of the bill for Queensland's future, emphasizing that the state should not miss an opportunity before other regions like the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Conservation groups and locals across Queensland protested outside LNP offices, opposing the bill. North Queensland Conservation Council coordinator Crystal Falknau argued that the bill would enable the government to circumvent environmental approvals, stating that giving the government the ability to override such regulations could harm the environment.

The primary industries and resources parliamentary committee received 1,303 submissions about the proposed bill but tabled its report without any changes. Crystal Falknau stated that the bill would disregard environmental protections and community consultation rights. Queensland agriculture lobby group AgForce president Shane McCarthy expressed concerns that farmers might feel pressured to negotiate with mining companies more quickly.

He warned that the government's ability to step in and declare a project strategic could diminish farmers' negotiation power, stating that such actions could be devastating for primary production.

Regarding the bill's safeguards, Bleijie mentioned parliamentary oversight and mandatory six-month consultations with landowners for state-significant projects. He also affirmed that the bill could benefit primary producers by offering opportunities for economic expansion and infrastructure development like feedlots and abattoirs.

However, local MP Amanda Camm acknowledged that any concerns regarding the bill would be addressed during parliamentary debates. Shane McCarthy proposed that the future value of agricultural land and its potential future use should be taken into account, considering that some mined land may eventually become unusable or unavailable for agricultural purposes.