Material changes are proposed to the tenures under which minerals and petroleum are explored for in Queensland. The Department of Natural Resources and Mines recently released a policy position paper titled ‘Innovative resources tenures framework’ (Reform Policy). Consultation with the industry and interested parties is proposed for September and October 2015. Importantly, submissions on the … Read more

The Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources recently introduced the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Amendment Bill 2013 (Vic) (the Amendment Bill) into the Victorian Parliament. The Amendment Bill, if passed, will likely make it more difficult for land to be declared exempt from exploration and mining licences. The Minister will now be required to consider … Read more

The Queensland Government released its draft Ports Strategy on Thursday 17 October 2013. The draft Ports Strategy proposes to: declare that Brisbane, Mackay / Hay Point (in 2 separate zones), Gladstone, Townsville and Abbot Point ports will be the 5 priority port development areas (PPDAs) in Qld, limit port expansion and development to within these … Read more

The Queensland Government has introduced legislation to give effect to the introduction of competitive tendering for coal, petroleum and gas areas, and the development of the Aurukun bauxite resource on Cape York. The Queensland government announced on 9 October 2012 that a new competitive cash bidding process would apply to companies seeking the right to … Read more