Areas Legislative instrument Description Status and relevance to the Lake Eyre Basin rivers Environmental protection (continued) Vegetation Management Act 1999 (Qld) This controls management of vegetation, regulating the clearing of remnant vegetation, identified as endangered, of concern or at least concern regional ecosystem. It also seeks to prevent the loss of biodiversity, maintain ecological processes and ensure that clearing does not cause land degradation. The Liberal National Government (2012–15) passed amendments allowing the clearing of natural vegetation for new agricultural development creating a self- assessment process for landholders to clear vegetation without a development permit simplifying state-wide vegetation maps and changing enforcement and compliance provisions. There is pressure from the environmental movement to reinstate provisions in the original vegetation management legislation. Efforts by the Labor Government (2015–present) to introduce improved protection of native vegetation were defeated in the Queensland Parliament. Fisheries Act 1994 This legislation regulates the management, use, development and protection of fisheries, including aquaculture and their habitats. It is underpinned by principles of ecologically sustainable development. It regulates construction of fishways which allow for fish movement over instream barriers (e.g. weirs). This legislation is strong in protecting fish movement in rivers and dealing with any impacts that ‘in stream’ structures may impose on fish movement. Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014 (Qld) The Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act was the first step to modernise Queensland’s resources Acts, standardising resources legislation in Queensland, establishing the objection and appeals process for the granting of environmental authorities for mining and, petroleum and gas tenures. This legislation established that, where the Coordinator- General has included conditions in an environmental authority, these are final and objections cannot be lodged in the Land Court. This Act restricted the rights and grounds of objection to a mining lease to landowners of adjoining properties. It prevented third parties such as a local authority, community group or conservation organisation from lodging objections. These rights to object were reinstated by the Labor Government (2015– present) through the Mineral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016The . Act also allows the Land Court to strike out frivolous or vexatious objections or those outside the court’s jurisdiction. Table 20.1. (continued) Lake Eyre Basin Rivers 200