Farmers and conservationists unite against critical minerals bill

Queensland parliamentary committee hands down controversial critical minerals bill despite criticism In short: A Queensland parliamentary committee has handed down its critical minerals bill with no amendments despite criticism from farmers and conservationists. Conservationists rallied outside state MPs' offices concerned the bill gives the government power to fast-track environmental processes. What's next? The bill will be debated in parliament. Queensland farmers and conservationists have united in their calls to scrap a controversial critical minerals bill. The amendments expand the state government's compulsory acquisition powers, which critics are calling an overreach that puts the environment and property rights at risk. A parliamentary committee this month recommended the government pass the bill without changes despite criticism raised during the public consultation period. While Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the bill will "unleash billions in economic prosperity for Queensland", its opponents have hit the streets across the state in protest. 'Slap in the face' The State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 was introduced into parliament by the deputy premier in June. But the push for the bill comes from the critical minerals deal between Australia and the US signed last year. Mr Bleijie said the bill was important for Queensland's future. "We want to jump at that opportunity before other states like the Northern Territory and Western Australia," he said. Conservation groups and locals across Queensland protested outside LNP offices across the state this week in opposition to the bill. North Queensland Conservation Council coordinator Crystal Falknau said it would give the government power to sidestep environmental approvals. "For there to be powers that could just override those regulations completely means that our environment is completely open to harm from development." The primary industries and resources parliamentary committee received 1,303 submissions about the proposed bill. It tabled its report this month with no amendments despite criticism raised during public consultation. Ms Falknau said the decision was shocking. "It's a slap in the face to all Queenslanders who care about environmental protections and community consultation rights," she said. Queensland agriculture lobby group AgForce president Shane McCarthy said farmers were concerned the bill would rush negotiations between farmers and mining companies. "Their ability to negotiate can be diminished by the right for the government to step in, declare it a strategic project," he said. "Then the power of negotiations is basically gone." Mr McCarthy said he does not want to see Queensland agriculture forgotten in the bill. "In the wrong hands, it can be absolutely devastating to primary production." Safeguards The deputy premier said the bill contained safeguards, including parliamentary oversight and mandatory six-month consultation with landowners for state-significant projects. He said the bill could also benefit primary producers. "It also offers them opportunities for economic expansion, feedlots, abattoirs across the state." One of the protests was held outside of Whitsundays MP Amanda Camm's office. She said any concerns around the bill would be addressed when it was debated in parliament. "We will ensure that our government gets the balance right," she said. Mr McCarthy would like to see the future value of agricultural land considered. "Some of this land after it's been mined may or may not be able to be used again,"he said. "There has to be that taking into account future ongoing, not just the value of the land but their future ability to earn off that land." Queensland parliament returns next week. [Image text:] MEN STOP LE POWER KILL the AL BILL GRAB SNO 000 R