History of SCL
Policy background
There has been a long standing commitment to protect the state's valuable land resources. This commitment was first outlined in the former State Planning Policy 1/92: Development and the Conservation of Agricultural Land.
Strategic cropping land (SCL) is an important, finite resource that must be conserved and managed for long-term food and fibre production, and regional growth. Currently, the state's SCL resources are subject to a range of competing land-use activities, including agriculture, mining and urban development.
It is important to find a balance between these sectors and minimise land-use conflicts by assessing potential impacts of development on this land.
In order to achieve this balance, extensive consultation was undertaken with key stakeholders during development and implementation of the SCL legislation.
Consultation included:
- Release of several documents for public feedback including a discussion paper, a policy framework, a regulatory assessment statement and a draft State Planning Policy under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009;
- Establishment of a Stakeholder Advisory Committee involving representatives from the agricultural, resource and urban development sectors, as well as representatives from local government and natural resource management groups;
- On 25 October 2011, the Strategic Cropping Land Bill 2011 was introduced into Parliament and the Bill was passed by Parliament on 1 December 2011.
- On 6 December 2011, the Strategic Cropping Land Act 2011 (PDF)* was given assent by the Governor in Council.
- On 30 January 2012, the Strategic Cropping Land Act 2011, Strategic Cropping Land Regulation 2011 and State Planning Policy 1/12: Protection of Queensland’s strategic cropping land commenced (see Legislation and planning).
Related initiatives
The SCL framework is just one of a set of key initiatives to manage the co-existence of the mining and agricultural sectors.
Related policies include:
- the Land Access Policy Framework
- managing current and future CSG activities including the protection of groundwater interests for landholders and ensuring long-term aquifer stability.
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Last updated 21 December 2012
