Bioregional planning for the regions in Queensland

We have partnered with Queensland Government to release 2 draft bioregional guidance plans. Now, we want key stakeholders to have their say. This includes:

• impacted communities
• industry
• Traditional Owners
• others. 

These draft plans are the first bioregional guidance plans. They focus on priority development for:

• wind farm development in the Collinsville area of the Brigalow Belt North bioregion
• minerals mining in the Julia Creek and Richmond area of the Gulf Plains bioregion.

Bioregional planning looks at the big picture. It does not assess environmental impacts on a project‑by‑project basis. Instead, it takes a regional view. It considers how development, the environment and communities interact across an entire landscape, now and into the future.

The draft guidance plans balance development with environmental protection by:

• providing a shared, reliable source of environmental data
• guiding development to less sensitive areas
• helping developers to reduce their environmental impacts.

The plans are guidance plans. They are not regulatory. They do not:

• create ‘go’ or ‘no go’ zones
• replace project assessments under national environmental law.

Instead, they provide greater certainty for industry and stronger environmental outcomes by:

• improving access to information on nationally protected plants, animals, habitats and places
• supporting strategic planning that considers present and future threats
• offering practical advice on managing the impacts of development
• offering practical advice on opportunities to protect and restore the environment.

The draft plans are now open for public comment. The consultation period will close on 17 July 2026.

You can view the plans and have your say at: Queensland bioregional guidance planning

Your feedback will:

• help shape the final guidance plans
• inform the future of bioregional planning in Australia.

Read more

Bioregional planning