Queensland’s planning framework is getting its biggest refresh in almost a decade.

The draft State Planning Policy 2026 is now open for consultation, with proposed changes relevant to resources, renewable energy, infrastructure and other major projects.

Among the changes:

• energy becomes a standalone State interest
• stronger protection is proposed for important resource areas
• greater emphasis is placed on coordinating growth with infrastructure
• State assessment benchmarks are proposed to move from the SPP into the Planning Regulation

NSW has changed the rules that determine when the Independent Planning Commission becomes the consent authority for state significant development, with significant implications for renewable energy, resources and standalone battery projects.

The changes are contained in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) Amendment (Independent Planning Commission) 2026, published on 18 August 2026. Some changes took effect immediately, with further changes commencing on 1 November 2026.

Field tripping in the Torres Strait

Environmental Project Manager Sabrina Newton and Principal – Environmental Management Callum Gawne travelled to the Torres Strait recently to carry out preliminary inspections in support of future environmental approvals for a potential minerals project.