DATA & FIGURES
The amount of un-rehabilitated mined land in Queensland grew 12% from 2019 to 2024, and now covers more than 223,684 hectares. The review of the financial provisioning scheme has been welcomed by the Queensland Resources Council, which believes it will help unlock new investment in the resources sector.
THE SCENARIO
The review of the financial provisioning scheme is part of the Queensland government's efforts to cut 'red tape' and support the resources sector. However, environmental campaigners and primary producers are concerned that weakening the regulations could have significant environmental and financial consequences, including the potential for taxpayers to foot the bill for cleanup costs.
DIRECT QUOTE
"If a company can't provide financial security to cover those costs, should it really be in the business? In which case, we, ordinary Queenslanders, bear that legacy. And that legacy is not just a scar in the ground. It's leeching contaminants into our waterways, into our Great Barrier Reef, those sorts of things, that will go on for generations." — Claire Gronow, Lock the Gate Alliance's central Queensland coordinator
BBN INSIGHT
The potential consequences of weakening the financial provisioning scheme for mines in Queensland are significant. On the negative side, it could lead to abandoned mines, significant cleanup costs, and environmental damage. On the positive side, it could unlock new investment in the resources sector and support economic growth. However, it is essential to ensure that any changes to the regulations prioritize environmental sustainability and do not shift the burden of cleanup costs to taxpayers.