The Queensland government has updated its environmental laws by including provisions that provide early certainty on clearly unacceptable projects, greater public consultation, and increased accountability for directors and officers of companies that cause environmental harm.
The Queensland government will legislate to have 80% of its energy supply coming from renewables by 2035, and will fund the transformation partly with coal royalties.
A court has found a Stockland proposal for a major residential development could harm a significant wetland, and has criticised ecological evidence given on the company's behalf.
A new report by Accenture says Queensland's 2030 goal of reducing emissions 30% below 2005 levels is too weak, and recommends ways to achieve a 60% cut.
The Queensland government has named five new carbon projects that will receive additional payments in recognition of their biodiversity or social co-benefits.
Proposals to impose decarbonisation requirements on Queensland's mining sector have been watered down in the final version of the state's resources industry development plan.
The Queensland government has invited views on establishing an independent EPA, and announced waste levy increases that will support a major new recycling fund.
The Queensland government is considering using its environmental licensing regime to require resource companies to cut emissions, and is also canvassing views on establishing an independent EPA.