Queensland passes critical minerals bill, granting sweeping land acquisition powers

Queensland's legislature passed the State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (2026), giving the executive broad powers to accelerate projects deemed "state strategic" and to compulsorily acquire land for private ventures for the first time. The measure is promoted as essential for tapping the state's critical-minerals boom, with deposits of vanadium, cobalt and copper highlighted as vital for modern economies.

Opposition parties and environmental advocates warn that the bill dilutes legal safeguards, weakens appeal mechanisms, and permits fast-tracking of non-mineral projects such as tourism developments. Late amendments were introduced to keep renewable-energy projects and data centres out of the fast-track list and to retain Regional Interests Development Approvals for agricultural land. Industry representatives, including AgForce Queensland and the Queensland Farmers Federation, welcomed the concessions but said they fell short of full demands. Conservation groups continue to protest, arguing the legislation threatens land rights and environmental oversight.