Two new federal government reports conclude special EPBC approval requirements that apply to coal seam gas projects and large coal mines have delivered important benefits.
A new Australian report downplays estimates that meeting Barrier Reef water quality targets will cost $8.2 billion and instead emphasises what can be achieved with $623 million.
Queensland's Environment Minister Steven Miles has signalled further changes to the way financial assurances are imposed on major projects and has flagged new efforts to deal with problem wastes.
A taskforce advising the Queensland Government has called for a cutting-edge mix of legislation and incentives to cut pollution from farms and new developments in Great Barrier Reef catchments.