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ARTICLE · 03 DECEMBER 2025

Queensland Government Proposes Significant Changes To Environmental Licensing Regime

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

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On 20 November 2025, the Environmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (the Bill) was introduced into the Queensland Parliament.

AustraliaEnvironment
Kathryn Pacey
Kathryn Pacey
Holly Vaughan
Holly Vaughan
Philippa Maguire
Philippa Maguire
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On 20 November 2025, the Environmental Protection (Efficiency and Streamlining) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (the Bill) was introduced into the Queensland Parliament.

If passed, the Bill will significantly change the way environmentally relevant activities are regulated, replacing the need to obtain an environmental authority for certain 'low risk' activities with the option to operate in accordance with an ERA code.

While the ERA codes have not yet been released, this alternative to an environmental authority, without the associated applications, annual fees and requirements around financial surety, is looking to be an attractive option for industry.

The Bill has been referred to the Health, Environment and Innovation Committee for detailed consideration. The closing date for submissions is 10am on 17 December 2025 and the committee is due to table its report on 30 January 2026.

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