Following an Inquiry into the Queensland Regional Planning Interest (Condamine Alluvium) Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 earlier this year, the Queensland Government this week legislated the recommendations by the Committee.

Cotton Australia, along with Queensland Farmers’ Federation and Central Downs Irrigators Limited, strongly advocated for the retention of the protections that are contained in the Regional Planning Interest Act. The original bill proposed by the QLD Government sought to strip those protections out ensured those protections remain, and also have strengthened some of the provisions associated around compensation for Coal Seam Gas extraction induced subsidence.

Cotton Australia joined QFF in acknowledging the fact that the QLD Government has listened and maintained the RPI provisions. 

However, this week Cotton Australia has also submitted to the Inquiry into the State Development (Critical Minerals) Bill. This Bill seeks to streamline development application for a range of projects deemed critical by the QLD Government.

While Cotton Australia recognises the need for efficient economic development, we very much want to ensure that these changes do not weaken any protections landholders have for the highest quality agricultural land.