Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner Review

The Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner (QMRC) was established in 2020 under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to provide independent and expert advice on mine rehabilitation practices. The explanatory notes for the Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 outlined a review be completed in 2024-2025 to the inform future scope and funding requirements of the Commissioner and supporting Office.

To meet this requirement, the department undertook a review to:

  • provide an overview of services delivered to date and assess whether the Commissioner has fulfilled its statutory functions
  • examine whether these functions remain fit for purpose and identify any necessary changes
  • determine if there is an ongoing need for the Commissioner role
  • evaluate funding options should the role continue.

Read the QMRC review summary (PDF, 211.0KB) .

Key findings

Based on the review scope and stakeholder feedback, it was concluded that:

  • the Commissioner has successfully delivered the statutory role and functions outlined in the Environmental Protection Act 1994
  • these functions remain fit for purpose and should continue in a statutory capacity to ensure independence and transparency
  • there is an ongoing need for the Commissioner, who plays a critical role in mine rehabilitation governance.

Recommendations

  1. The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation should conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Commissioner’s role, functions, and performance during the 2027–2028 financial year.
  2. The Commissioner should establish a Stakeholder Consultative Forum to improve information flow across sectors impacted by resource activities.
  3. A four-year Ministerial Charter of Expectations should be developed to clearly outline priorities, expectations, and support mechanisms for delivering advice and activities.
  4. The Commissioner should collaborate with industry and stakeholders to develop a forward work plan, including priority research and leading-practice guidance, aligned with the Charter of Expectations.
  5. In consultation with key stakeholders, the Commissioner should review and refine performance metrics to measure rehabilitation progress effectively.
  6. The Commissioner should prepare a State of Mine Rehabilitation Report Card for Queensland, providing an assessment of rehabilitation status, commentary on effectiveness to date, and examples of leading-practice rehabilitation currently underway.

A copy of the Ministerial Charter is available from the Office of the Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner.