In Queensland, the movement of clean soil between lots within a development footprint raises a key regulatory question: must it always be treated as “waste” under the WRR Act? This post explores the intersection of the Waste and Contaminated Land frameworks, clarifies when soil becomes waste or contaminated, and discusses lawful pathways for reuse without triggering levy obligations.

Many CLID submissions in Queensland mistakenly have the SQP sign both declarations, omitting the legally required declaration from the relevant person. Under the EP Act, only a suitably qualified person (SQP) can prepare a CLID, but only the relevant person—typically the landowner or agent—can submit it. The auditor relies on the relevant person’s declaration, not the SQP’s, to confirm the integrity of the submission.

Contaminated land auditors in Queensland operate under Section 568(b) of the EP Act to independently evaluate investigation documents—not to regulate. They do not enforce remediation or notify third parties. That responsibility lies with DETSI, the administering authority. Auditors must notify DETSI of serious or material environmental harm under Section 320, but have no power to initiate regulatory action. Their role is technical, not enforcement.

A graphical Conceptual Site Model (CSM) is a vital early-stage tool in contaminated land investigations. It visually integrates site data—such as contamination sources, infrastructure, geology, groundwater, drainage, and receptors—to guide sampling and decision-making. Used in plan and cross-section views, it clarifies site dynamics, supports risk assessments, and aligns stakeholders.

Contamination is the presence of harmful substances in soil, water, or air. Contaminated land is land where those substances pose a serious or material risk to health or the environment. In contrast, clean earth is natural soil, rock, or sand free from waste or hazardous contaminants—safe for reuse and exempt from regulation.

Contaminated land management in Queensland is shaped by two distinct frameworks: the National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site...