Watch out you do not Opt Out?

 The new Mining and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Bill 2014 was passed by the LNP Government and comes into force over the next month or so.  Whilst there has been much debate over the issue of removing rights to object to Mining Leases for landowners, some other nasty provisions have been added to the mix which landholders need to be wary of.  Rural Lawyer Melanie Oliver explains the new “Opt Out Agreements” that have just been added into the already confusing world of resource company documents.

An owner or an occupier of Land can now Opt Out of a Conduct and Compensation Agreement with a resource company. Once an Opt Out Agreement is signed, the resource company can enter the land and start its activities.  In our view it would be very rare for it ever to be appropriate for a Landholder to sign an Opt Out Agreement and we would urge Landholders to be very cautious and get full advice before signing anything they are presented.

If you would like further information or have any questions please give Melanie Oliver, Amy Gudmann or Justin Houlihan a call at Rees R & Sydney Jones on (07) 4927 6333.