The Queensland government insists new laws that make it faster and cheaper for developers to apply for environmental approval won’t lower environmental standards.
The Greentape (Greentape) Reduction Bill was passed in parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
Environment Minister Andrew Powell says “green tape” has been strangling Queensland businesses.
He says the bill is the most significant reform to licensing processes in a decade and will save businesses thousands of dollars.
“It is crucial that we work with industry, particularly with the small business sector, to encourage economic growth and reduce government spending,” he said in a statement.
The bill reduces the Environmental Protection Act by 90 pages by removing duplications.
A standard application for environmental approval will save companies on average $20,000, 150 pages in paper work and 68 days in processing time, while the environmental approval process will also be changed to ensure greater flexibility for operators, Mr Powell said.
The government will also save $12.5 million in administrative costs.
Mr Powell said the government had consulted “every step of the way” with industry, the community and government organisations on the changes.
“This in no way lowers environmental standards,” he said.
“It merely simplifies the approval process, saving applicants time and money.”
The new process will apply from March 2013.
