31 August 2026.
AgForce has welcomed significant amendments to the State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, while calling for further urgent changes to protect Queensland landholders.
As the Bill expands on the ability of private proponents to ask the State to compulsory acquire land for their projects we had and still have concerns as to the type of projects that can use the new legislation.
However, the exclusion of renewable energy projects, battery storage facilities and data centres from being declared a State Strategic Project is important and critical to retaining bargaining power for producers.
The Government has listened to Queensland farmers, and these are meaningful changes – but there is more to be done. However, this doesn’t address concerns for our producers when going through the compulsory acquisition process once that pathway is enacted for other projects.
AgForce remains concerned that major developments can create a David and Goliath contest, with proponents having significantly greater access to time, money and professional resources. Landholders can face financial and mental strain simply defending their property, business or residence.
No farmer should be left out-of-pocket for standing up for their own land. When a project stands to profit, it should carry the appropriate cost of the landholder’s legal, valuation and professional needs.
AgForce will urgently pursue amendments to ensure landholders receive appropriate professional costs throughout negotiations, compensation frameworks are robust, and negotiation requirements are fair and transparent.
Importantly, AgForce is also seeking stronger protection for Regional Interest Development Approvals (RIDAs) in State Strategic Cropping areas and Priority Agricultural Areas. While RIDAs have been retained as a key authorisation under the Modification Orders powers, the underlying assessment criteria may still be capable of being modified or removed. AgForce is concerned this could provide proponents with significant scope to obtain approvals that would otherwise face greater scrutiny.
Further, where a RIDA decision is made under a State Significance Notice or Modification Order, affected stakeholders may lose ordinary review or appeal rights in the Planning and Environment Court.
AgForce will continue constructive engagement with Government and stakeholders to secure fair compensation, professional support, meaningful appeal rights and enduring protection for Queensland’s finite agricultural land.