Regional Planning Interests (Condamine Alluvium) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026

The Regional Planning Interests Act 2014 (RPI Act) is a key tool to balance protecting areas of regional interest and managing the impacts of (and supporting coexistence with) resource activities and regulated activities.

On 29 June 2026, the Regional Planning Interests (Condamine Alluvium) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026 (RPI(CA)OLA Act 2026) commenced with amendments to deliver the Queensland Government commitment to require gas companies to demonstrate beyond any reasonable doubt that new projects would not have a detrimental impact on the Condamine Alluvium, a large and significant water aquifer used for agricultural purposes. The RPI(CA)OLA Act 2026 amends the following legislative frameworks:

• Regional Planning Interests Act 2014
• Regional Planning Interests Regulation 2014
• Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act)
• Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014 (MERCP Act).

The Act introduces new measures aimed at ensuring the assessment of coal seam gas (CSG) projects is balanced with strong protections for the Condamine Alluvium. It also includes clarification and expansion of compensation arrangements for CSG-induced subsidence.

The key changes of the RPI(CA)OLA Act 2026 include:

• introduction of a Condamine Alluvium CSG area map to provide a geographical boundary for the application of the amended legislative frameworks
• a new deemed condition prohibiting the release of contaminants from CSG wells, where such releases would be inconsistent with established water quality objectives
• a new CSG-induced subsidence framework has also been established, which clarifies compensation rights for landholders where CSG-induced subsidence affects agricultural land and productivity
• amendments to clarify the precedence of water quality conditions across the environmental authority and regional interests development approval (RIDA) frameworks.

The combined effect of the changes across the three legislative frameworks increases the level of protection for the Condamine Alluvium from the risks associated with CSG activities and delivers on the Queensland Government’s commitment to protect the Condamine Alluvium.

Supporting information

• RPI Act amendments factsheet ( 228.0 KB)
• Condamine Alluvium CSG area factsheet ( 268.7 KB)
• Condamine Alluvium CSG area map