Planning and approvals

The diagram below outlines key mechanisms that regulate wetland environmental values and biodiversity values. The mechanisms are grouped broadly according to whether they are planning, assessment or approvals related. Details on how these mechanisms address wetland values are provided through links to related information sources.

Regulatory planning, assessment and approval mechanisms that contribute to protecting wetlands values

Other than development approvals under the Planning Act 2016, there are environmental approvals to protect and manage wetland and biodiversity values including authorities, accepted development requirements, permits and licenses required under other legislation.

The consideration of wetland and biodiversity values may be addressed in different ways depending on the level of environmental risk and the regulatory mechanisms. Some regulatory mechanisms deal with specific environmental values (such as water quality and groundwater) while others may address whole wetland systems.

Legislation in Queensland aims to improve clarity and simplify decision-making through consistent use of the wetland definition and, provision of comprehensive wetland mapping and management tools. The different mechanisms recognise different levels of environmental risk and implement legislation provisions accordingly.

For example, the requirement to develop an environmental impact statement (EIS) for a large resource project involving public notification is an example of a mechanism that assesses environmental risk and potential impacts on wetland values. By contrast, a landholder wishing to undertake a routine activity that complies with a code of practice may not require an approval if the activity poses a low level of environmental risk.

The Environmental Protection Act 1994 aims to protect Queensland’s environment while allowing for development that improves the total quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends. It also defines environmental values and environmental harm and states the general environmental duty which requires that a person must not carry out any activity that causes, or is likely to cause, environmental harm unless the person takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise the harm. Consideration of ecologically sustainable development principles is established in environmental licensing and a number of other legislative frameworks.

The State and local planning instruments establish the decision hierarchy to ‘avoid, mitigate and offset’ environmental impacts associated with development. The Queensland Government website explains the roles and responsibilities of the State and local governments in the planning and assessment system.

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Last updated: 6 June 2022