The Central Queensland Coal Associates Agreement Act 1968: An Overview
The Central Queensland Coal Associates Agreement Act 1968 is a piece of legislation that was passed by the government of Queensland, Australia with the aim of regulating the exploration and exploitation of coal reserves in the Central Queensland region.
Under this Act, the Central Queensland Coal Associates (CQCA) was established as a joint venture between the Queensland government and a consortium of coal companies. The purpose of this venture was to promote the development of coal mining operations in the Central Queensland region, which was already known to have substantial coal reserves.
One of the key provisions of the act was the establishment of a royalty system that would ensure that the Queensland government received a fair share of the profits generated by the mining companies. The royalty rate was set at 12.5% of the value of the coal extracted, and this rate was subject to regular review.
Another important provision of the Act was the requirement for the mining companies to comply with strict environmental standards. This was a significant development at the time, as environmental protection was not a major priority in the mining industry during the 1960s.
In addition to these provisions, the Act also set out the terms and conditions under which the companies would carry out their mining operations, including the requirement to obtain a mining lease, comply with safety regulations, and provide compensation for any damage caused to private property.
Overall, the Central Queensland Coal Associates Agreement Act 1968 represented a significant step forward for the Queensland government in terms of regulating the mining industry and protecting the environment. It also paved the way for further developments in the region, which has since become one of the most important coal mining areas in Australia.
In conclusion, while the Central Queensland Coal Associates Agreement Act 1968 may seem like a relatively obscure piece of legislation, it played an important role in shaping the mining industry in Queensland and set a precedent for environmental protection that continues to this day. For anyone interested in the history of mining in Australia, this Act is certainly worth learning more about.
