The Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) has welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to direct the Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) to conduct an inquiry into the impacts of recent changes to federal environmental legislation, but says the inquiry should be broadened to consider how renewable energy projects are assessed across all levels of government.
QREC Chief Executive Officer Katie-Anne Mulder said the inquiry into reforms to Commonwealth environmental laws – including the 2025 changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act – was an important opportunity to address long standing issues around assessment timeframes, duplication and regulatory burden for renewable energy projects in Queensland.
“QREC welcomes the Queensland Government’s decision to ask the Productivity Commission to examine how recent changes to federal environmental legislation are affecting project approvals in Queensland, and we will work constructively with our members to support the QPC’s work,” Ms Mulder said.
“While recent commentary has focused on access to streamlined approval pathways for some projects, renewable energy projects—like all major developments—are already required to navigate the EPBC system and continue to face delays and uncertainty, notwithstanding recent reforms.”
Ms Mulder said assessment and approval timelines under the EPBC Act remained a key concern for wind, solar and battery storage projects, with flow on impacts for investment certainty, project costs and delivery.
“QREC participated in the national Productivity Commission review of the EPBC Act and welcomes reforms intended to streamline environmental assessments,” she said.
“The national Productivity Commission recognised the real and material costs of delay for major projects, noting evidence of a six month delay to a wind farm approval costing over $25 million due to contract renegotiations, and that a one year delay on a $400 million project can cost upwards of $20 million in holding and opportunity costs.”
Ms Mulder said the scope of the QPC inquiry should be expanded beyond Commonwealth processes to examine how state and local government approvals interact with EPBC assessments, and how those processes could be better aligned to reduce unnecessary duplication.
“Renewable energy projects in Queensland already operate within a robust state assessment framework,” she said.
“QREC has consistently called, including through previous submissions to government, for better use of accreditation and bilateral agreements so credible Queensland approval processes are recognised for EPBC purposes.”
“This includes stronger recognition of Queensland’s environmental offsets framework, particularly in light of the Commonwealth’s Offsets National Environmental Standard. Aligning state and federal offset requirements would provide greater certainty for proponents while maintaining high environmental standards.”
“A broader review would help ensure environmental regulation supports the timely deployment of projects needed to deliver emissions reduction targets, regional jobs and long term economic benefits for Queensland.”
“Streamlining assessment processes for renewables is squarely in the national interest,” she said.
“QREC looks forward to engaging with the QPC to ensure the inquiry delivers practical recommendations that reduce unnecessary delay, recognise existing state systems, and support delivery of Queensland’s future energy system.”