Pre-lodgement

Before making an application to the Coordinator-General, a proponent seeking approval of a project as a PIF must:

• complete an environmental impact assessment process for the infrastructure facility in accordance with relevant Queensland and/or Commonwealth legislation
• give notice to, and negotiate with, the registered owners of the land affected by the facility and/or native title holders.

Environmental impact assessment

An application can only be made if:

• the project has been declared a coordinated project for which an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required, the Coordinator-General has publicly notified the Coordinator-General’s report for the project, and the Coordinator-General’s report has not lapsed or
• the Coordinator-General is satisfied that an adequate environmental assessment has been carried out for the project in accordance with an environmental assessment process under an Act.

Notice and negotiations

A proponent must give notice to, and negotiate with, all the registered owners of the land required for the PIF and any native title holders.

After giving notice, the proponent must negotiate for at least six months with each registered owner and/or native title holder to reach agreement on the purchase of the land, or the entering into of an indigenous land use agreement for the land, required for the PIF.

Native title

Land required for an infrastructure facility may be subject to native title rights and interests.

Native title holders and claimants are entitled to the same procedural rights as they would have if they instead held freehold title to the land. Proponents are advised to contact the Office of the Coordinator-General at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss any existing native title rights and interests potentially affected by the proposed infrastructure facility.