Key Resource Areas (KRAs) are applied to locations across Queensland that contain extractive resources of state significance.

Criteria for identification of KRAs

KRAs are identified based on one or more of the following criteria:

• size – the size of the extractive resource is equal to or greater than the annual demand for the commodity type in its region or sub-region
• production – the resource is capable of producing 5% of annual demand for the commodity type in its region or sub-region
• market – the resource can supply more than 1 significant part of the region or sub-region
• scarcity – the resource has particular physical properties that are scarce in the region or sub-region
• specialised – the resource is a specialised resource needed for strategic infrastructure.

The criteria are contained in the SPP guideline for mining and extractive resources (PDF, 7.6MB).

Assessment of potential KRAs

Potential KRAs are assessed by the Geological Survey of Queensland (GSQ), part of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development. The assessment can be initiated by the GSQ (e.g. as a result of its field work) or when data is provided by local government or extractive industry operators.

During its assessment, GSQ will undertake a technical review of the potential KRA against the state or regional significance criteria as summarised above.

If the extractive resource meets these criteria, the department will consult with local governments, industry proponents and affected landowners to understand the local context and the potential impacts of the proposed KRA.

If the department decides to proceed, it will seek to have the proposed KRA recognised in the State Planning Policy. However the final approval is the responsibility of the minister responsible for the Planning Act 2016.

Also consider...

• Access a list of all KRAs in the SPP guideline for mining and extractive resources (PDF, 7.6MKB).
• Download maps and reports for each KRA (under the heading 'SPP mapping')
• Access the interactive maps through the SPP Interactive Mapping System (under the heading 'SPP mapping')
• Read about state planning laws.

A Key Resource Area (KRA) is made up of 4 components:

• the resource/processing area – the extent of the extractive resource and any operational areas associated with the extraction and processing of the resource
• a separation area – to maintain separation from people who might be affected by impacts such as noise, dust and ground vibrations from existing or future operations
• a transport route – from the boundary of the resource area to a major road or railway
• a separation area around the transport route – to minimise impacts on people who might be affected by noise, dust and ground vibration along the route.

Minimum distances for the separation area around the resource/processing area are given in the SPP guideline for mining and extractive resources (PDF, 7.6MB).

The separation around the transport route is a distance of 100m from the centre line of the indicated transport route.

Transport routes

The transport route is a road or rail link from the boundary of the resource/processing area to a major road, usually a state-controlled road or railway.

For KRAs with an existing extractive operation, the haul route used for the operation is generally the designated KRA transport route. In general, the transport route approved by the local government as part of an extractive industry application will be adopted as the KRA transport route.

If a local government approves the use of a road that is not identified as the KRA transport route, the local government may seek to amend the KRA transport route through discussions with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development.

For example, if a quarry does not operate on the site at the time of KRA designation, it is possible that the haul route approved by the local government through a later development assessment process may be different to the designated transport route. A quarry company can also apply to the local government to use any local government road as a haul route.

Also consider...

• Access a list of all KRAs in the SPP guideline for mining and extractive resources (PDF, 7.6MB).
• Download maps and reports for each KRA (under the heading 'SPP mapping')
• Access the interactive maps through the SPP Interactive Mapping System (under the heading 'SPP mapping')
• Read about state planning laws.

Following consultation with all affected parties and approval by the planning minister, Key Resource Areas (KRAs) are included in the State Planning Policy (SPP). This policy sets down all the state's interests in land use planning and development. Local governments are required to consider which state interests are relevant and how best to apply these interests when developing their local planning scheme.

The SPP is supported by guidelines to help implement the policy. The SPP guideline for mining and extractive resources (PDF, 7.6MB) has more information about the SPP and extractive industries.

Amending or removing a KRA from the SPP

The Geological Survey of Queensland (GSQ) may consider proposals to amend or remove a KRA from the SPP if new information is provided regarding any component of the KRA, such as about the extent of the resource or if the resource has been exhausted.

Amendments to the transport route may also be considered to reflect a local government development approval for an extractive industry.

Any proposed amendments or removals of KRAs must undergo a consultation process that includes affected property owners, local government and the extractive industry proponent (if applicable).

If GSQ decides to proceed with the amendment or removal, the Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals will provide a report summarising the issues raised during the consultation to the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and ask that they consider amending or removing the KRA in the SPP.

Also consider...

• Access a list of all KRAs in the SPP guideline for mining and extractive resources (PDF, 7.6MB).
• Download maps and reports for each KRA (under the heading 'SPP mapping')
• Access the interactive maps through the SPP Interactive Mapping System (under the heading 'SPP mapping')
• Read about state planning laws.

Quarries and other extractive industries

Identification of a site as a Key Resource Area (KRA) and inclusion in the State Planning Policy (SPP) does not in any way authorise the extraction of the resource nor give anyone the right to establish or operate a quarry. The SPP is designed to maintain access to resources so they can be approved under the development assessment process when they are needed.

Anyone proposing to start quarry operations must submit a development application to the local government, which will then assess the application using the development assessment process set out by the Planning Act 2016.

Potential impacts associated with the operation will be considered during the assessment process.

Development along the transport route

Any development proposed along a KRA transport route will be assessed to ensure it does not adversely affect the safe and efficient use of the route by vehicles transporting extractive material.

Residential development

Rights to build a single dwelling house on an existing unoccupied lot or to extend an existing dwelling are not affected by the KRA designation regardless of whether the lot is entirely or partly within any of the parts of a KRA.

The local government remains the assessment manager for development applications for dwelling houses as required under the local government planning scheme.

The designation of a site as a KRA ensures that development applications within the KRA are assessed for possible adverse impact on the access to the significant resource but does not restrict all development. Quarry operations may be permitted if management of potential impacts to acceptable levels is feasible.

However, the SPP does not support increasing the number of sensitive land uses or other land uses incompatible with resource extraction within the KRA, e.g. the reconfiguration of a lot that increases the number of lots. Sensitive land uses are typically residential, educational or health related where noise and air quality must be maintained to a high standard.

Other development

Other development within a KRA is assessed to ensure that existing or future extractive industries are not significantly impacted.

As a rule, KRAs are designed to be consistent with the existing planning scheme. Most KRAs cover zones where consistent uses are largely compatible with extractive industry impacts. Rural uses and open space type uses are typical of uses included in KRA separation areas.

Temporary uses that can be readily relocated may also be permissible.

Also consider...

• Access a list of all KRAs in the SPP guideline for mining and extractive resources (PDF, 7.6MB).
• Download maps and reports for each KRA (under the heading 'SPP mapping').
• Access the interactive maps through the SPP Interactive Mapping System (under the heading 'SPP mapping')
• Read about state planning laws.