Geothermal Energy Act 2010 (Qld)

Geothermal Energy Act 2010

An Act to enable and facilitate the production of geothermal energy

Chapter 1 Preliminary

Part 1 Introduction

1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Geothermal Energy Act 2010.

2 Commencement (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), this Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation. (2) The following provisions commence on the date of assent— (a) chapter 9, part 2; (b) chapter 10, part 1; (c) schedule 2, part 1. (3) Schedule 2, part 3 commences immediately after all of chapter 10 and all of the other provisions of schedule 2 have commenced.

Part 2 Purposes and application of Act

3 Purposes of Act and their achievement (1) The main purpose of this Act is to encourage and facilitate the safe production of geothermal energy for the benefit of all Queenslanders. (2) The main purpose is achieved principally by— (a) providing for the granting of authorities (called 'geothermal tenures') to explore for or produce geothermal energy; and Note— Under section 327, there are several exemptions from the requirement to hold a geothermal tenure. They include exemptions for— • exempt heat pump production • other geothermal production that is not of a large-scale. (b) creating a regulatory system for the carrying out of activities relating to geothermal tenures. (3) Other purposes of this Act are to— (a) ensure the following for the carrying out of the activities— (i) minimisation of conflict with other land uses; (ii) constructive consultation with people affected by the activities; (iii) appropriate compensation for owners or occupiers of land adversely affected by the activities; (iv) responsible land and resource management; and (b) encourage the use of renewable energy in the State.