A parliamentary inquiry has issued its report on a bill that would impose strict water quality controls on new industrial developments, resource projects, utilities and agricultural businesses in Great Barrier Reef catchments.
A new state grant scheme will support the conversion of industrial, agricultural and household waste into biofuels, electricity, and substitutes for petroleum-based plastic.
Proponents will have to buy water quality offsets if their developments increase sediment or nutrient levels in Great Barrier Reef catchments, under a new Queensland bill.
The Queensland government has announced changes to its waste levy bill and revealed new reduction and recycling targets, as well as plans for a waste to energy policy.