The Queensland Government has finally agreed to support mineral exploration and follow up on the advice put forward by the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) regarding the non-cash tender for coal tenements in the Bowen Basin.
According to the latest media release published on the official website of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies, the Queensland Government has also agreed to repeal the Strategic Cropping Act.
Minister Andrew Cripps announced the first ever non-cash tender for coal exploration in the Bowen Basin region last week, which clearly demonstrated the Government’s serious consideration of the demands made by the Association of Mining and Exploration companies and explorers.
As part of the Regional Plans released by the Deputy Premier the Honorable Jeff Seeny on Tuesday, the Newman Government has finally followed through the AMEC’s recommendation for the removal of the Strategic Cropping Lands Act.
“The regulations under the regional plans are still to be fully formed and the intricacies of the system will determine if Queensland has achieved the goal of improving the system without adding more layers of regulation,” said Bernie Hogan, Regional Manager of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies.
Mr. Hogan further adds that they welcome the acknowledgement of the minimal impact of greenfield exploration on the land and it’s exemption from the Strategic Cropping Lands Act restrictions.
According to him, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government on the details of the new legislation with regards to the implementation of the regional plans.
Mr. Hogan further labeled the changes as “positive for industry” and stressed that it will help to encourage a climate conductive to exploration, but also “uncover the mines of the future”.
