Streamlined conditions better for the environment and operators

Reduced red tape for petroleum operators will pave the way for jobs growth in Queensland, delivering on key Government election promises, without impacting the environment

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell said significant work had been done to streamline model conditions while maintaining appropriate environmental protections.

"One of the key aspects of our election commitment to grow a four-pillar economy was our promise to reduce red tape and regulation by 20 per cent over six years, Mr Powell said.

“These changes will go a long way towards delivering on that promise while maintaining high environmental standards in a rapidly growing industry.”

The streamlined model conditions, developed in partnership with industry, were announced at the National APPEA conference in Perth.

Mr Powell said they would reduce model conditions for petroleum activities in Queensland by around 50 per cent.

“Consistent with the Auditor general’s recommendations, we are looking for ways to get officers out from behind their desks and proactively monitor for compliance,” he said.

“We are streamlining assessment processes for low risk activities so that officers spend less time assessing and more time determining the environmental outcomes and ensuring they are met.

“Labor thought more regulation was the only way to control business, but we know that all that does is restrict growth and the ability to create jobs and drive economic activity.

“This is a win for the environment, it is a win for business, it is a win for my regulatory officers.”

Mr Powell said only those activities where the risks were understood and managed would be subject to the streamlining process.

“Activities such as the injection of water and water discharges will continue to require site-specific assessment and conditioning,” he said.

“A review of the regulatory framework showed that many of the previous conditions were overly prescriptive and inflexible without any link to protecting environmental values.

“These conditions have been produced using scientifically based advice from experts who understand the potential environmental impacts and Queenslanders can have confidence in the outcomes.”

[ENDS] 8 April 2014

Media contact: Brooke Hargraves 0458 689 043