Local leaders across NWQ sound alarm at changes to EPBC Act
The North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) has raised major concerns about the Federal Government’s recent amendments to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), warning that the changes risk serious consequences for communities and industries across the region.
NWQROC Chair, Etheridge Shire Mayor Barry Hughes, said the amendments create uncertainty for communities that rely heavily on agriculture, mining, energy and associated supply chains.
“Our region’s prosperity is built on agriculture and the resources sector, and both depend on practical, workable land management frameworks,” Mayor Hughes said.
“Local governments especially in regional and remote areas are continually being hammered by the word ‘sustainability’. These amendments risk becoming another nail in the coffin for councils working hard to support the nation’s economic pillar of agriculture.
Mayor Hughes said the amendments introduce new layers of complexity that could restrict the day-to-day operations of producers, land managers and industry, including routine vegetation management and land maintenance that underpin safety, productivity and environmental stewardship.
“We seriously challenge the methodology being used to arrive at these outcomes, and the consequences, intended or otherwise, that impede councils striving to meet sustainability demands while also providing pathways for growth, employment and strong, resilient communities,” Mayor Hughes said.
A key concern for councils is the flow-on impact to the management of roadside vegetation across North West Queensland’s extensive road network.
Chair of the North West Regional Roads and Transport Group and Richmond Shire Mayor John Wharton AM said the changes could hinder councils’ ability to fulfil essential responsibilities.
“Councils must be able to safely and efficiently manage vegetation along thousands of kilometres of regional roads,” Mayor Wharton said.
“We’re rightly concerned that these amendments will make it harder to undertake basic works like clearing for road safety, maintaining sightlines, reducing fire risk, and ensuring access after floods. These aren’t optional tasks - they’re fundamental to keeping our communities connected and safe.”
Mount Isa Mayor Peta McRae said the amendments could create regulatory ambiguity for major projects that underpin local jobs and economic stability.
“The resources sector is a cornerstone of the North West economy,” Mayor McRae said. “Any shift that introduces uncertainty to project approvals or long-standing land use arrangements has real consequences for investment confidence, workforce security and regional development.
“Our councils have real concerns that in an industry environment that is already vulnerable, the new rules will slow projects or impose costs that will ultimately affect local communities.”
Burke Shire Council Mayor Ernie Camp said producers were particularly vulnerable to changes that limit their capacity to manage land effectively.
“Agriculture in our part of the world relies on practical vegetation and land management practices we undertake as part and parcel of our operations. Practices that have supported sustainable production for generations,” Mayor Camp said.
“Graziers and farmers need clarity and the right to continue local, proven practices, whether it’s managing regrowth, tackling weeds, maintaining fencelines, renewing pasture or establishing firebreaks.
“These amendments risk turning routine land management into an overly complex compliance exercise.”
NWQROC will continue to advocate for certainty, clarity and practical regulation that supports both environmental outcomes and the long term viability of North West Queensland communities, industries and local government operations.
