The Queensland State Government has established a new cross-agency approvals body to accelerate decision-making for major resource and critical minerals projects.
The newly formed Cross-Agency Assessment Team (CAAT) will bring together specialists from multiple government agencies to address regulatory barriers earlier in the approvals process, with the stated aim of improving certainty for project proponents and investors.
Led by the coordinator-general, the team will initially focus on three developments: the Eva Copper Mine, Centurion North Development, and Graphinex’s Esmeralda Graphite Project.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the new framework was intended to improve the progression of major projects.
“The resources sector can finally have confidence that projects that support jobs and accelerate economic growth will be assessed quickly and robustly,” Bleijie said.
He said the team would help resolve challenges earlier in the process and provide greater certainty for proponents.
“The Cross-Agency Assessment Team will allow us to address challenges early and provide certainty for proponents, support investment certainty, drive job creation and reinforce Queensland’s position as a competitive, globally focused resource state.”
The Government said the model is designed to streamline environmental and other statutory approvals for complex projects, while also involving local councils from the outset to identify regional issues earlier.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the initiative would support investment across regional Queensland, particularly as demand continues to grow for both traditional commodities and critical minerals.
“Queensland is well placed to tap into the strong global demand for our resources, including coal and critical minerals, but to meet that demand, we need a regulatory framework that supports investment,” Last said.
“This initiative positions Queensland for the future by stimulating long-term investment and ensuring our regions thrive.”
Coordinator-general Gerard Coggan said the model recognised the complexity of large-scale resource developments, which often require multiple regulatory approvals and engagement across government and community stakeholders.
“Resource projects are significant undertakings that in some instances require precise coordination across multiple agencies, as well as engagement with stakeholders at all levels,” Cogan said.
“The Cross-Agency Assessment Team will enable a more unified approach to addressing issues early, ensuring that projects meet social, environmental, and economic requirements while reducing delays in decision-making.”