PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland state government on Friday released a policy paper outlining proposals to modernise the state’s resource permits, authorities, leases and licences.

State Development and Natural Resources Minister Anthony Lynham noted that the framework was the latest stage in a reform project that started six years ago and would culminate in legislation coming to Parliament in the second half of 2016.

“Our tenure system is complex, duplicative, overprescriptive, administratively inefficient and generally unresponsive to the needs of a globalised resources sector,” he said.

“Mining and petroleum and gas exploration and production tenures are regulated by five separate Acts,” he said.

“This is the first time that a comprehensive review of the whole resources tenure system in Queensland has been undertaken and will have real benefits for miners, explorers and landholders.”

Key changes being proposed included five new uniform authorities for information, exploration, development, production and infrastructure, with all exploration authorities to have set terms with no renewal.

The changes would also include incentives for early and strong exploration performance, balanced with handing back land halfway through the term of authority and more flexibility to give explorers incentives.

Lynham said the proposed changes would make it easier for landholders to do business with miners and explorers and encourage explorers to get on with the job.

“Making mining and exploration tenures uniform whether they are for coal, minerals or petroleum will reduce confusion for landholders,” he said.

“Explorers will be able to manage their work on the ground, as long as they are sticking to their overall goals, rather than having to stop work and seek departmental approval when they need to amend their work plans.

“And decommissioning, including final rehabilitation, will be recognised as a purpose and obligation that has to be included or referenced in plans submitted for resource authorities, rather than the current situation that relies solely on the environmental authority to regulate.

“A more uniform, flexible resources tenure framework will help Queensland stay globally competitive, attract more investment and deliver sustainable long-term economic benefits.”

Lynham said the framework would retain the existing safeguards around environmental sustainability, land access, objections, native title and regional planning interests.

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the government’s proposal to cut red tape and to promote resource activity by reviewing the complex land tenure framework.

QRC CEO Michael Roche said that the current tenure framework in Queensland was inefficient and burdensome and did not recognise the range of impediments that explorers and developers face in conducting exploration, which can lead to potential job-creating projects.

“The proposed new tenure framework, released today by Minister Lynham provides the best foundations for explorers to focus on the outcomes of their exploration activities.

“We welcome changes that will assist miners and explorers to get on with the job, while also making it easier for landholders to do business with them.”

Submissions on the policy paper would be open until October 16.