Overview

• Environment Minister Murray Watt said mapped exclusion areas will prohibit development in sensitive habitats under redesigned national laws.
• Designated zones would remove or automate project-by-project assessments to accelerate approvals for housing, energy and infrastructure.
• The package embeds regional planning so decisions account for cumulative impacts rather than isolated projects, reflecting Graeme Samuel’s review.
• Legislation is expected to be introduced in November after ongoing consultations with states and industry stakeholders.
• Trials are underway in Queensland, including plans for wind around Collinsville and for mining near Julia Creek and Richmond, with business groups urging faster approvals as the renewables rollout accelerates.