29 December 2012

New Act allows contaminants to be released during future Queensland floods



The Economic Development Act 2012 (ED Act) was passed by the Queensland Parliament on 29 November 2012.

In the First Reading Speech Jeff Seeney stated:

“Our government has committed to building a four-pillar economy for Queensland. Enacting the Economic Development Bill will equip us with the legislative tools necessary to identify and drive development projects that contribute to a strong and sustainable State economy...”

Overview of the ED Act

The ED Act amends legislation administered under the State Development, Infrastructure and Planning portfolio to meet the Government’s election commitments to drive economic development in Queensland.

The ED Act makes changes to the State’s planning and development process including:

Temporary Emissions Licences that may be granted to authorise the relaxation of approval conditions issued under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) to authorise the release of contaminants during an emergency, as a response to the recommendations made by the Queensland Floods Commission following the 2010/11 floods.

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29.12.12