Contact: Carter Newell (Queensland, Australia)
Introduction
Queensland's strategic cropping land (SCL) regime is under review following a move by the State Government to bring forward the statutory review process by six months.
The Queensland Government has released a discussion paper seeking feedback on the effectiveness of the SCL framework to date and the future of the policy in light of the current reform of state planning instruments, as well as the push towards streamlining regulatory approvals and reducing red tape.
Specifically, the Newman Government is considering whether the existing framework for identifying SCL - based on a series of trigger maps and an assessment against SCL criteria - fits with the proposal to establish Priority Agricultural Areas in statutory regional plans.
Draft plans for the Darling Downs and Central Queensland areas were released in June. More information on the draft plans can be found in our July update.
The Government is interested in hearing from the resources and agricultural industries on how the legislation and administration of SCL can be improved. Submissions close on 9 September 2013.
