On 26 September 2019, the Environmental Protection (Great Barrier Reef Protection Measures) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2019 was passed by the Queensland Parliament and will be enforceable from 1 December 2019. This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act 1994, Biodiscovery Act 2004, Chemical Usage (Agricultural and Veterinary) Control Act 1988, Fisheries Act 1994, Nature Conservation Act 1992 and the Vegetation Management Act 1999.

What does this new bill mean for environmental practitioners?

Primary producers in the Wet Tropics, Burdekin, Mackay Whitsunday, Fitzroy and Burnett Mary regions will need to comply with industry specific minimum practice agricultural standards.

These have been developed for sugarcane, grazing and bananas at this stage, and take effect for different commodities in different regions over the next three years (see the timeframes).

Under the proposed regulated practice standards, producers will need to keep records of soil tests and fertiliser and agricultural chemicals applied and advisers will need to keep records of advice provided to land managers.

New and expanded cropping and horticulture activities over five hectares in all six Reef regions, including Cape York, will have to comply with farm design standards and any minimum practice standards for the crop being sown.

The regulations will also apply to operators of new or changed industrial land use activities such as sewage treatment plants, aquaculture facilities or mines that plan to release nutrients and sediments.

Join us to hear more about the Bill, the implications for environmental practitioners and how this will assist improving water quality on the Great Barrier Reef. Speakers include officers from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science who will provide insights into the implementation of the new legislation.

Speakers include:

Speakers are based in both Brisbane and Townsville and some presentations will be via video link.

For more information, click on the links below:

Environmental Protection (Great Barrier Reef Protection Measures) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2019

Broadening and enhancing Reef protection regulations – decision regulatory impact statement (Feb 19)

Locations and availability

We are excited that this event will be the first trial of a partnership with Central Queensland University. The event will be held at CQU’s Brisbane Campus and live streamed to CQU’s Townsville campus.

We will also be streaming the live video feed for those wishing to attend from regional locations, making this event one that can be accessed by everyone in Queensland.

When you book, please ensure you choose the location you wish to attend.

Who should attend?

Environmental practitioners across a broad spectrum of sectors including in government, private practice and industry. Interested community members, academics and politicians.

This event will count as 2 points towards your EIANZ CEnvP Professional Development Log.

Do you pay your own registration costs to attend? Don't forget to keep your invoice as you may be eligible to claim your education expenses on your tax return.