Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Act 2016 sets up a corporatised State authority to plan, procure and deliver the Cross River Rail project and related transport works. It gives the authority commercial powers (including contracting, borrowing, a dedicated fund) and specific powers to acquire, lease, sell and manage land to deliver the project while requiring transparency, governance and limited Ministerial direction. It principally affects landowners (acquisition/compensation), contractors, investors, government agencies and the authority’s board and staff.
Mechanically, the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Act 2016 establishes a body corporate called the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (the authority) with powers, duties and structures focused on planning, delivering and facilitating the Cross River Rail project and related transport projects. The Act creates: (a) the authority itself (s 8); (b) a board (the Cross River Rail Delivery Board) with specified membership and governance rules (Pt 3); (c) a chief executive officer and staff regime (Pt 4-5); and (d) a dedicated fund administered by the authority (the Cross River Rail Delivery Fund) (Pt 6, ss 59-61). The authority is given broad commercial powers including dealing in land and other property, entering contracts, appointing agents and establishing bank accounts (s 14). It is also expressly given the status, privileges and immunities of the State (s 10).
The Act sets out a specific land-acquisition and land-management regime distinct from,yet linked to,the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 and other land statutes. The authority may take land for cross river rail purposes (s 20) including easements, interests above or below the surface, and leases of State land less than freehold; it may sell or lease land acquired (s 25); it must give former owners an offer window before disposal for up to 7 years after acquisition (ss 26-27); and the Minister may change the stated purpose for land already taken (s 23). The Act modifies compensation considerations for acquired land, disallowing reference to works carried out after a notice of intention to resume or to changes in value arising from declaration of a cross river rail PDA (s 24).
Operationally the authority must, to the extent practicable, operate commercially (s 13) while also performing community service obligations directed by the Minister and recorded in the authority’s operational plan (s 29). The Act places the authority within established accountability frameworks by making it a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 and a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (s 11). The Minister may give written directions about performance of functions or exercise of powers (s 16), but may not direct the content of the authority’s advice or recommendations (s 16(2)); all directions are required to be published (s 16(3)).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Act 2016.
93
pt.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
pt.1-div.1
Introduction
Introduction
sec.1
Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Act 2016 .
sec.2
Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
However, if no day has been fixed by 1 July 2017, the Act commences on that day.
The Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 15DA does not apply to this Act.
(sec.2-ssec.1) This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
(sec.2-ssec.2) However, if no day has been fixed by 1 July 2017, the Act commences on that day.
(sec.2-ssec.3) The Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 15DA does not apply to this Act.
sec.3
Purpose
sec.3 Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to establish the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority—
to plan, carry out, promote or coordinate activities to facilitate economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA; and
to facilitate the efficient delivery of the cross river rail project and transport-related projects.
It is the intention of Parliament that the authority continue in existence only until the cross river rail project and any transport-related projects are completed.
(sec.3-ssec.1) The purpose of this Act is to establish the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority— to plan, carry out, promote or coordinate activities to facilitate economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA; and to facilitate the efficient delivery of the cross river rail project and transport-related projects.
(sec.3-ssec.2) It is the intention of Parliament that the authority continue in existence only until the cross river rail project and any transport-related projects are completed.
(a) to plan, carry out, promote or coordinate activities to facilitate economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA; and
(b) to facilitate the efficient delivery of the cross river rail project and transport-related projects.
sec.4
Act binds all persons
sec.4 Act binds all persons
This Act binds all persons, including the State.
However, the State can not be prosecuted for an offence against this Act.
(sec.4-ssec.1) This Act binds all persons, including the State.
(sec.4-ssec.2) However, the State can not be prosecuted for an offence against this Act.
pt.1-div.2
Interpretation
Interpretation
sec.5
Definitions
sec.5 Definitions
The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular words used in this Act.
sec.6
Meaning of cross river rail project
sec.6 Meaning of cross river rail project
The cross river rail project is the project known as the cross river rail project described in—
the Coordinator-General’s report for the environmental impact statement for the project, dated December 2012, under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 ; and
any Coordinator-General’s change report for the project under that Act.
The cross river rail project also includes the carrying out of—
development, other than development prescribed by regulation, in a cross river rail PDA; and
PDA-associated development, other than PDA-associated development prescribed by regulation, for a cross river rail PDA.
In this section—
PDA-associated development see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 .
(sec.6-ssec.1) The cross river rail project is the project known as the cross river rail project described in— the Coordinator-General’s report for the environmental impact statement for the project, dated December 2012, under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 ; and any Coordinator-General’s change report for the project under that Act.
(sec.6-ssec.2) The cross river rail project also includes the carrying out of— development, other than development prescribed by regulation, in a cross river rail PDA; and PDA-associated development, other than PDA-associated development prescribed by regulation, for a cross river rail PDA.
(sec.6-ssec.3) In this section— PDA-associated development see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 .
(a) the Coordinator-General’s report for the environmental impact statement for the project, dated December 2012, under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 ; and
(b) any Coordinator-General’s change report for the project under that Act.
(a) development, other than development prescribed by regulation, in a cross river rail PDA; and
(b) PDA-associated development, other than PDA-associated development prescribed by regulation, for a cross river rail PDA.
sec.7
Meaning of transport-related project
sec.7 Meaning of transport-related project
A transport-related project is a project prescribed by regulation—
that involves providing transport infrastructure in South East Queensland, other than on land that is—
in a cross river rail PDA; or
PDA-associated land for a cross river rail PDA; and
that the Minister, after consulting the Transport Minister, is satisfied relates to the operation of rail transport infrastructure provided, or to be provided, as a result of the cross river rail project.
In this section—
PDA-associated land , for a priority development area, see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 .
rail transport infrastructure see the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , schedule 6 .
Transport Minister means the Minister administering the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 .
(sec.7-ssec.1) A transport-related project is a project prescribed by regulation— that involves providing transport infrastructure in South East Queensland, other than on land that is— in a cross river rail PDA; or PDA-associated land for a cross river rail PDA; and that the Minister, after consulting the Transport Minister, is satisfied relates to the operation of rail transport infrastructure provided, or to be provided, as a result of the cross river rail project.
(sec.7-ssec.2) In this section— PDA-associated land , for a priority development area, see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 . rail transport infrastructure see the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , schedule 6 . Transport Minister means the Minister administering the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 .
(a) that involves providing transport infrastructure in South East Queensland, other than on land that is— (i) in a cross river rail PDA; or (ii) PDA-associated land for a cross river rail PDA; and
(i) in a cross river rail PDA; or
(ii) PDA-associated land for a cross river rail PDA; and
(b) that the Minister, after consulting the Transport Minister, is satisfied relates to the operation of rail transport infrastructure provided, or to be provided, as a result of the cross river rail project.
(i) in a cross river rail PDA; or
(ii) PDA-associated land for a cross river rail PDA; and
pt.2
Cross River Rail Delivery Authority
Cross River Rail Delivery Authority
pt.2-div.1
Establishment
Establishment
sec.8
Establishment
sec.8 Establishment
The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (the authority ) is established.
sec.9
Legal status
sec.9 Legal status
The authority—
is a body corporate; and
may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(a) is a body corporate; and
(b) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
sec.10
Authority represents the State
sec.10 Authority represents the State
The authority represents the State.
Without limiting subsection (1) , the authority has the status, privileges and immunities of the State.
(sec.10-ssec.1) The authority represents the State.
(sec.10-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , the authority has the status, privileges and immunities of the State.
sec.11
Application of other Acts
sec.11 Application of other Acts
The authority is—
a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 ; and
a statutory body under—
the Financial Accountability Act 2009 ; and
the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 .
The Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , part 2B sets out the way that Act affects the authority’s powers.
(sec.11-ssec.1) The authority is— a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 ; and a statutory body under— the Financial Accountability Act 2009 ; and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 .
(sec.11-ssec.2) The Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , part 2B sets out the way that Act affects the authority’s powers.
(a) a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 ; and
(b) a statutory body under— (i) the Financial Accountability Act 2009 ; and (ii) the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 .
(i) the Financial Accountability Act 2009 ; and
(ii) the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 .
(i) the Financial Accountability Act 2009 ; and
(ii) the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 .
pt.2-div.2
Functions and powers
Functions and powers
sec.12
Functions
sec.12 Functions
The authority’s main functions are—
to plan, carry out, promote or coordinate activities to facilitate economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA; and
to facilitate the efficient delivery of the cross river rail project and transport-related projects.
Without limiting subsection (1) (a) , the authority has the following functions—
to identify opportunities and options for facilitating economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA;
to identify, and consult with relevant entities about, options for funding development mentioned in paragraph (a) ;
to give advice and recommendations about a matter mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) to—
the Minister; and
if appropriate, a relevant entity.
Without limiting subsection (1) (b) , the authority has the following functions in relation to the cross river rail project or a transport-related project—
to carry out planning for the project, including—
inviting and evaluating proposals for the delivery of the project; and
facilitating the procurement and supply of infrastructure and services for the project;
to ensure that any approvals or authorities required for the project under other laws are obtained;
to enter into and manage contractual and other arrangements for the delivery of the project, including, for example—
negotiating and entering into agreements about funding for the project; and
ensuring contracts and agreements are performed in accordance with their terms;
to consult, or facilitate consultation, with relevant entities about funding and delivery of the project;
to provide, ensure the provision of, or manage infrastructure and other services and facilities for, or relating to, the project;
to promote the project through, for example, advertising and encouraging investment;
to give advice and recommendations about options for funding and delivering the project to—
the Minister; and
if appropriate, a relevant entity.
In carrying out its functions under this section, the authority must have regard to—
for a function relating to the cross river rail project—an interim land use plan or a development scheme for a cross river rail PDA; or
for a function relating to a transport-related project—any planning instrument that applies to the land on which development for the project is proposed to be carried out.
The authority also has—
the functions given to it under this Act or another Act; and
any other function, relating to its main functions under subsection (1) , prescribed by regulation.
In this section—
development scheme , for a priority development area, see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 .
interim land use plan , for a priority development area, see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 .
planning instrument means—
a development scheme for a priority development area; or
a planning instrument under the Planning Act .
relevant entity means—
the Commonwealth; or
another State; or
any other entity the authority considers is, or may be, involved in or affected by—
the cross river rail project; or
a transport-related project.
(sec.12-ssec.1) The authority’s main functions are— to plan, carry out, promote or coordinate activities to facilitate economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA; and to facilitate the efficient delivery of the cross river rail project and transport-related projects.
(sec.12-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) (a) , the authority has the following functions— to identify opportunities and options for facilitating economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA; to identify, and consult with relevant entities about, options for funding development mentioned in paragraph (a) ; to give advice and recommendations about a matter mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) to— the Minister; and if appropriate, a relevant entity.
(sec.12-ssec.3) Without limiting subsection (1) (b) , the authority has the following functions in relation to the cross river rail project or a transport-related project— to carry out planning for the project, including— inviting and evaluating proposals for the delivery of the project; and facilitating the procurement and supply of infrastructure and services for the project; to ensure that any approvals or authorities required for the project under other laws are obtained; to enter into and manage contractual and other arrangements for the delivery of the project, including, for example— negotiating and entering into agreements about funding for the project; and ensuring contracts and agreements are performed in accordance with their terms; to consult, or facilitate consultation, with relevant entities about funding and delivery of the project; to provide, ensure the provision of, or manage infrastructure and other services and facilities for, or relating to, the project; to promote the project through, for example, advertising and encouraging investment; to give advice and recommendations about options for funding and delivering the project to— the Minister; and if appropriate, a relevant entity.
(sec.12-ssec.4) In carrying out its functions under this section, the authority must have regard to— for a function relating to the cross river rail project—an interim land use plan or a development scheme for a cross river rail PDA; or for a function relating to a transport-related project—any planning instrument that applies to the land on which development for the project is proposed to be carried out.
(sec.12-ssec.5) The authority also has— the functions given to it under this Act or another Act; and any other function, relating to its main functions under subsection (1) , prescribed by regulation.
(sec.12-ssec.6) In this section— development scheme , for a priority development area, see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 . interim land use plan , for a priority development area, see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 . planning instrument means— a development scheme for a priority development area; or a planning instrument under the Planning Act . relevant entity means— the Commonwealth; or another State; or any other entity the authority considers is, or may be, involved in or affected by— the cross river rail project; or a transport-related project.
(a) to plan, carry out, promote or coordinate activities to facilitate economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA; and
(b) to facilitate the efficient delivery of the cross river rail project and transport-related projects.
(a) to identify opportunities and options for facilitating economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA;
(b) to identify, and consult with relevant entities about, options for funding development mentioned in paragraph (a) ;
(c) to give advice and recommendations about a matter mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) to— (i) the Minister; and (ii) if appropriate, a relevant entity.
(i) the Minister; and
(ii) if appropriate, a relevant entity.
(i) the Minister; and
(ii) if appropriate, a relevant entity.
(a) to carry out planning for the project, including— (i) inviting and evaluating proposals for the delivery of the project; and (ii) facilitating the procurement and supply of infrastructure and services for the project;
(i) inviting and evaluating proposals for the delivery of the project; and
(ii) facilitating the procurement and supply of infrastructure and services for the project;
(b) to ensure that any approvals or authorities required for the project under other laws are obtained;
(c) to enter into and manage contractual and other arrangements for the delivery of the project, including, for example— (i) negotiating and entering into agreements about funding for the project; and (ii) ensuring contracts and agreements are performed in accordance with their terms;
(i) negotiating and entering into agreements about funding for the project; and
(ii) ensuring contracts and agreements are performed in accordance with their terms;
(d) to consult, or facilitate consultation, with relevant entities about funding and delivery of the project;
(e) to provide, ensure the provision of, or manage infrastructure and other services and facilities for, or relating to, the project;
(f) to promote the project through, for example, advertising and encouraging investment;
(g) to give advice and recommendations about options for funding and delivering the project to— (i) the Minister; and (ii) if appropriate, a relevant entity.
(i) the Minister; and
(ii) if appropriate, a relevant entity.
(i) inviting and evaluating proposals for the delivery of the project; and
(ii) facilitating the procurement and supply of infrastructure and services for the project;
(i) negotiating and entering into agreements about funding for the project; and
(ii) ensuring contracts and agreements are performed in accordance with their terms;
(i) the Minister; and
(ii) if appropriate, a relevant entity.
(a) for a function relating to the cross river rail project—an interim land use plan or a development scheme for a cross river rail PDA; or
(b) for a function relating to a transport-related project—any planning instrument that applies to the land on which development for the project is proposed to be carried out.
(a) the functions given to it under this Act or another Act; and
(b) any other function, relating to its main functions under subsection (1) , prescribed by regulation.
(a) a development scheme for a priority development area; or
(b) a planning instrument under the Planning Act .
(a) the Commonwealth; or
(b) another State; or
(c) any other entity the authority considers is, or may be, involved in or affected by— (i) the cross river rail project; or (ii) a transport-related project.
(i) the cross river rail project; or
(ii) a transport-related project.
(i) the cross river rail project; or
(ii) a transport-related project.
sec.13
Functions to be carried out commercially
sec.13 Functions to be carried out commercially
The authority must, to the extent practicable, carry out its functions as a commercial enterprise.
However, subsection (1) does not apply to the authority to the extent it is performing its community service obligations.
(sec.13-ssec.1) The authority must, to the extent practicable, carry out its functions as a commercial enterprise.
(sec.13-ssec.2) However, subsection (1) does not apply to the authority to the extent it is performing its community service obligations.
sec.14
Powers
sec.14 Powers
The authority has all the powers of an individual and may, for example—
enter into contracts or agreements; and
deal in land or other property; and
appoint agents and attorneys; and
engage consultants or contractors; and
establish funds and accounts with any financial institution in Australia; and
charge a government agency a fee for services or facilities it supplies; and
do anything else necessary or convenient to be done in performing its functions or exercising its powers.
The authority also has the powers given to it under this Act or another Act.
(sec.14-ssec.1) The authority has all the powers of an individual and may, for example— enter into contracts or agreements; and deal in land or other property; and appoint agents and attorneys; and engage consultants or contractors; and establish funds and accounts with any financial institution in Australia; and charge a government agency a fee for services or facilities it supplies; and do anything else necessary or convenient to be done in performing its functions or exercising its powers.
(sec.14-ssec.2) The authority also has the powers given to it under this Act or another Act.
(a) enter into contracts or agreements; and
(b) deal in land or other property; and
(c) appoint agents and attorneys; and
(d) engage consultants or contractors; and
(e) establish funds and accounts with any financial institution in Australia; and
(f) charge a government agency a fee for services or facilities it supplies; and
(g) do anything else necessary or convenient to be done in performing its functions or exercising its powers.
sec.15
Performing functions and exercising powers inside and outside Queensland
sec.15 Performing functions and exercising powers inside and outside Queensland
The authority may perform its functions, or exercise its powers, inside or outside Queensland.
sec.16
Ministerial direction
sec.16 Ministerial direction
The Minister may give a written direction to the authority about the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers.
However, a direction must not be about the content of any advice or recommendation given by the authority.
The authority must—
comply with a direction given under subsection (1) ; and
publish a copy of the direction on the authority’s website.
(sec.16-ssec.1) The Minister may give a written direction to the authority about the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers.
(sec.16-ssec.2) However, a direction must not be about the content of any advice or recommendation given by the authority.
(sec.16-ssec.3) The authority must— comply with a direction given under subsection (1) ; and publish a copy of the direction on the authority’s website.
(a) comply with a direction given under subsection (1) ; and
(b) publish a copy of the direction on the authority’s website.
sec.17
Authentication of documents
sec.17 Authentication of documents
A document made by the authority, other than a document required to be sealed, is sufficiently made if it is signed by the chief executive officer, the chairperson of the board or another person authorised by the board.
A document made by the authority that is required to be sealed is sufficiently made if it is sealed in the way authorised by the board and signed by the chief executive officer, the chairperson of the board or another person authorised by the board.
(sec.17-ssec.1) A document made by the authority, other than a document required to be sealed, is sufficiently made if it is signed by the chief executive officer, the chairperson of the board or another person authorised by the board.
(sec.17-ssec.2) A document made by the authority that is required to be sealed is sufficiently made if it is sealed in the way authorised by the board and signed by the chief executive officer, the chairperson of the board or another person authorised by the board.
pt.2-div.3
Dealing in land or other property
Dealing in land or other property
sec.18
What power to deal in land or other property includes
sec.18 What power to deal in land or other property includes
For this Act, the authority’s power to deal in land or other property includes a power to deal in an interest in land or other property.
Also, for this Act, the authority’s power to deal in land includes a power to deal in land and improvements on land.
(sec.18-ssec.1) For this Act, the authority’s power to deal in land or other property includes a power to deal in an interest in land or other property.
(sec.18-ssec.2) Also, for this Act, the authority’s power to deal in land includes a power to deal in land and improvements on land.
sec.19
Dealing in land or other property generally
sec.19 Dealing in land or other property generally
The authority may deal in land and other property for the following purposes (each a cross river rail purpose )—
performing its functions under section 12 (1) ;
providing or improving facilities or services for users of the infrastructure and facilities provided as a result of the cross river rail project or a transport-related project;
addressing adverse environmental impacts that arise as a result of the delivery of the cross river rail project or a transport-related project;
building or moving ancillary works and encroachments, or a public utility plant, for the delivery of the cross river rail project or a transport-related project.
This section does not limit section 14 (1) (b) .
In this section—
ancillary works and encroachments see the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , schedule 6 .
public utility plant see the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , schedule 6 .
(sec.19-ssec.1) The authority may deal in land and other property for the following purposes (each a cross river rail purpose )— performing its functions under section 12 (1) ; providing or improving facilities or services for users of the infrastructure and facilities provided as a result of the cross river rail project or a transport-related project; addressing adverse environmental impacts that arise as a result of the delivery of the cross river rail project or a transport-related project; building or moving ancillary works and encroachments, or a public utility plant, for the delivery of the cross river rail project or a transport-related project.
(sec.19-ssec.2) This section does not limit section 14 (1) (b) .
(sec.19-ssec.3) In this section— ancillary works and encroachments see the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , schedule 6 . public utility plant see the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , schedule 6 .
(a) performing its functions under section 12 (1) ;
(b) providing or improving facilities or services for users of the infrastructure and facilities provided as a result of the cross river rail project or a transport-related project;
(c) addressing adverse environmental impacts that arise as a result of the delivery of the cross river rail project or a transport-related project;
(d) building or moving ancillary works and encroachments, or a public utility plant, for the delivery of the cross river rail project or a transport-related project.
sec.20
Power to take land
sec.20 Power to take land
The authority may, as provided under this section, take land if the land is required for a cross river rail purpose in relation to—
the cross river rail project; or
a transport-related project prescribed by regulation for this section.
The authority’s power to take land under subsection (1) includes—
power to take land or an easement, or another interest in land above or beneath the surface, without acquiring rights in the surface; and
power to take a lease of State land or another interest in State land that is less than freehold.
Subsection (2) applies to the taking of an easement even though the easement—
is not attached to, or used and enjoyed with, a dominant tenement; or
must not be used and enjoyed in common with any other person.
For the taking of land under this section—
the authority is a constructing authority under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 ; and
the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 applies as if a reference in that Act to land includes a reference to a lease of State land or another interest in State land that is less than freehold.
Land taken by the authority under this section—
may be described in the instrument taking the land in any way sufficient to identify the land; and
vests in the authority.
To remove any doubt, it is declared that land may be taken under this section for a cross river rail purpose even if, at the time the land is taken, it is not known when the land will be required for the purpose.
The authority’s power to take land under this section does not limit the authority’s powers to take land, as a constructing authority, under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967.
In this section—
easement includes a transport easement for support as defined under the Transport Planning and Coordination Act 1994 , section 28AC (1) .
(sec.20-ssec.1) The authority may, as provided under this section, take land if the land is required for a cross river rail purpose in relation to— the cross river rail project; or a transport-related project prescribed by regulation for this section.
(sec.20-ssec.2) The authority’s power to take land under subsection (1) includes— power to take land or an easement, or another interest in land above or beneath the surface, without acquiring rights in the surface; and power to take a lease of State land or another interest in State land that is less than freehold.
(sec.20-ssec.3) Subsection (2) applies to the taking of an easement even though the easement— is not attached to, or used and enjoyed with, a dominant tenement; or must not be used and enjoyed in common with any other person.
(sec.20-ssec.4) For the taking of land under this section— the authority is a constructing authority under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 ; and the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 applies as if a reference in that Act to land includes a reference to a lease of State land or another interest in State land that is less than freehold.
(sec.20-ssec.5) Land taken by the authority under this section— may be described in the instrument taking the land in any way sufficient to identify the land; and vests in the authority.
(sec.20-ssec.6) To remove any doubt, it is declared that land may be taken under this section for a cross river rail purpose even if, at the time the land is taken, it is not known when the land will be required for the purpose.
(sec.20-ssec.7) The authority’s power to take land under this section does not limit the authority’s powers to take land, as a constructing authority, under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967.
(sec.20-ssec.8) In this section— easement includes a transport easement for support as defined under the Transport Planning and Coordination Act 1994 , section 28AC (1) .
(a) the cross river rail project; or
(b) a transport-related project prescribed by regulation for this section.
(a) power to take land or an easement, or another interest in land above or beneath the surface, without acquiring rights in the surface; and
(b) power to take a lease of State land or another interest in State land that is less than freehold.
(a) is not attached to, or used and enjoyed with, a dominant tenement; or
(b) must not be used and enjoyed in common with any other person.
(a) the authority is a constructing authority under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 ; and
(b) the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 applies as if a reference in that Act to land includes a reference to a lease of State land or another interest in State land that is less than freehold.
(a) may be described in the instrument taking the land in any way sufficient to identify the land; and
(b) vests in the authority.
sec.21
Taking additional land
sec.21 Taking additional land
This section applies if—
the authority, under section 20 , proposes to take, or has taken, part of any land (the acquisition land ); and
the taking of the acquisition land will leave, or has left, 1 or more parcels of land (the additional land ) owned by the person who owns or owned the acquisition land.
The authority may, with the Minister’s approval, take all or part of the additional land.
Section 20 applies to the taking of all or part of the additional land—
as if the land were land that may be taken under section 20 ; and
as if the reference in section 20 (2) to subsection (1) of section 20 were a reference to subsection (2) of this section; and
with any other necessary changes.
For the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , the taking of all or part of the additional land is taken to be for a purpose incidental to the carrying out of the purpose for which the acquisition land is to be, or was, taken.
(sec.21-ssec.1) This section applies if— the authority, under section 20 , proposes to take, or has taken, part of any land (the acquisition land ); and the taking of the acquisition land will leave, or has left, 1 or more parcels of land (the additional land ) owned by the person who owns or owned the acquisition land.
(sec.21-ssec.2) The authority may, with the Minister’s approval, take all or part of the additional land.
(sec.21-ssec.3) Section 20 applies to the taking of all or part of the additional land— as if the land were land that may be taken under section 20 ; and as if the reference in section 20 (2) to subsection (1) of section 20 were a reference to subsection (2) of this section; and with any other necessary changes.
(sec.21-ssec.4) For the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , the taking of all or part of the additional land is taken to be for a purpose incidental to the carrying out of the purpose for which the acquisition land is to be, or was, taken.
(a) the authority, under section 20 , proposes to take, or has taken, part of any land (the acquisition land ); and
(b) the taking of the acquisition land will leave, or has left, 1 or more parcels of land (the additional land ) owned by the person who owns or owned the acquisition land.
(a) as if the land were land that may be taken under section 20 ; and
(b) as if the reference in section 20 (2) to subsection (1) of section 20 were a reference to subsection (2) of this section; and
(c) with any other necessary changes.
sec.22
Taking an interest in State land
sec.22 Taking an interest in State land
This section applies if the authority gives or amends a notice of intention to resume in relation to the taking, under this division, of a lease of State land or another interest in State land that is less than freehold.
The authority must give the registrar notice, in the appropriate form, of the giving or amendment of the notice of intention to resume.
If the registrar is given a notice under subsection (2) , the registrar must record in the land registry that the notice of intention to resume has been given or amended.
Subsection (5) applies if—
the lease or other interest is taken by the authority; or
the taking of the lease or other interest is discontinued.
The authority must give the registrar notice of the fact in the appropriate form.
If the registrar is given a notice under subsection (5) , the registrar must remove the particulars of the notice of intention to resume from the land registry.
In this section—
appropriate form see the Land Act 1994 , schedule 6 .
land registry means the land registry under the Land Act 1994 , section 275 .
registrar means the chief executive of the department in which the Land Act 1994 is administered.
(sec.22-ssec.1) This section applies if the authority gives or amends a notice of intention to resume in relation to the taking, under this division, of a lease of State land or another interest in State land that is less than freehold.
(sec.22-ssec.2) The authority must give the registrar notice, in the appropriate form, of the giving or amendment of the notice of intention to resume.
(sec.22-ssec.3) If the registrar is given a notice under subsection (2) , the registrar must record in the land registry that the notice of intention to resume has been given or amended.
(sec.22-ssec.4) Subsection (5) applies if— the lease or other interest is taken by the authority; or the taking of the lease or other interest is discontinued.
(sec.22-ssec.5) The authority must give the registrar notice of the fact in the appropriate form.
(sec.22-ssec.6) If the registrar is given a notice under subsection (5) , the registrar must remove the particulars of the notice of intention to resume from the land registry.
(sec.22-ssec.7) In this section— appropriate form see the Land Act 1994 , schedule 6 . land registry means the land registry under the Land Act 1994 , section 275 . registrar means the chief executive of the department in which the Land Act 1994 is administered.
(a) the lease or other interest is taken by the authority; or
(b) the taking of the lease or other interest is discontinued.
sec.23
Changing requirement for land taken
sec.23 Changing requirement for land taken
This section applies in relation to land taken under section 20 for a particular cross river rail purpose.
The Minister may, by gazette notice, declare that the land is required for another stated cross river rail purpose.
The land is taken to have been acquired for the other stated cross river rail purpose from the day the declaration is published in the gazette.
The Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , section 41 does not apply to the land because of the change of purpose.
This section does not affect any right of a person to compensation because of the taking of the land.
To remove any doubt, it is declared that a declaration under subsection (2) —
is not an acquisition of the land; and
does not give a right to compensation.
(sec.23-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to land taken under section 20 for a particular cross river rail purpose.
(sec.23-ssec.2) The Minister may, by gazette notice, declare that the land is required for another stated cross river rail purpose.
(sec.23-ssec.3) The land is taken to have been acquired for the other stated cross river rail purpose from the day the declaration is published in the gazette.
(sec.23-ssec.4) The Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , section 41 does not apply to the land because of the change of purpose.
(sec.23-ssec.5) This section does not affect any right of a person to compensation because of the taking of the land.
(sec.23-ssec.6) To remove any doubt, it is declared that a declaration under subsection (2) — is not an acquisition of the land; and does not give a right to compensation.
(a) is not an acquisition of the land; and
(b) does not give a right to compensation.
sec.24
Matters affecting compensation payable
sec.24 Matters affecting compensation payable
For assessing, under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , the compensation to be paid to a person for land taken under this division, regard must not be had—
to the value of any works carried out on the land after—
a notice of intention to resume the land is given to a person entitled under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 to compensation for the land; or
a resumption agreement for the land is entered into; or
to any change in the value of the land relating to a declaration of a cross river rail PDA under the Economic Development Act 2012 , including, for example, a change in the value of the land because of—
an interim land use plan under that Act for the cross river rail PDA; or
a development scheme under that Act for the cross river rail PDA.
This section applies despite the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , section 20 (2) .
In this section—
resumption agreement see the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , section 15 (1) .
(sec.24-ssec.1) For assessing, under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , the compensation to be paid to a person for land taken under this division, regard must not be had— to the value of any works carried out on the land after— a notice of intention to resume the land is given to a person entitled under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 to compensation for the land; or a resumption agreement for the land is entered into; or to any change in the value of the land relating to a declaration of a cross river rail PDA under the Economic Development Act 2012 , including, for example, a change in the value of the land because of— an interim land use plan under that Act for the cross river rail PDA; or a development scheme under that Act for the cross river rail PDA.
(sec.24-ssec.2) This section applies despite the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , section 20 (2) .
(sec.24-ssec.3) In this section— resumption agreement see the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , section 15 (1) .
(a) to the value of any works carried out on the land after— (i) a notice of intention to resume the land is given to a person entitled under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 to compensation for the land; or (ii) a resumption agreement for the land is entered into; or
(i) a notice of intention to resume the land is given to a person entitled under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 to compensation for the land; or
(ii) a resumption agreement for the land is entered into; or
(b) to any change in the value of the land relating to a declaration of a cross river rail PDA under the Economic Development Act 2012 , including, for example, a change in the value of the land because of— (i) an interim land use plan under that Act for the cross river rail PDA; or (ii) a development scheme under that Act for the cross river rail PDA.
(i) an interim land use plan under that Act for the cross river rail PDA; or
(ii) a development scheme under that Act for the cross river rail PDA.
(i) a notice of intention to resume the land is given to a person entitled under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 to compensation for the land; or
(ii) a resumption agreement for the land is entered into; or
(i) an interim land use plan under that Act for the cross river rail PDA; or
(ii) a development scheme under that Act for the cross river rail PDA.
sec.25
Power to use, lease or dispose of land
sec.25 Power to use, lease or dispose of land
The authority may, to give effect to a cross river rail purpose, do any of the following—
lease, or agree to lease, to any person land taken, or proposed to be taken, under this division;
sign an agreement with any person to carry out, own, operate or maintain any works or development on land taken, or proposed to be taken, under this division;
sign an agreement with any person in relation to works or development for land taken, or proposed to be taken, under this division;
sell land taken, or agree to sell land proposed to be taken, under this division.
To remove any doubt, it is declared that the power of the authority to acquire land, including the power to take land under this division, applies even if the acquisition is carried out with the intention of disposing of the land, or entering into an agreement, under subsection (1) .
Subsection (2) does not limit the power to take land under this division.
This section applies despite the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , section 41 .
(sec.25-ssec.1) The authority may, to give effect to a cross river rail purpose, do any of the following— lease, or agree to lease, to any person land taken, or proposed to be taken, under this division; sign an agreement with any person to carry out, own, operate or maintain any works or development on land taken, or proposed to be taken, under this division; sign an agreement with any person in relation to works or development for land taken, or proposed to be taken, under this division; sell land taken, or agree to sell land proposed to be taken, under this division.
(sec.25-ssec.2) To remove any doubt, it is declared that the power of the authority to acquire land, including the power to take land under this division, applies even if the acquisition is carried out with the intention of disposing of the land, or entering into an agreement, under subsection (1) .
(sec.25-ssec.3) Subsection (2) does not limit the power to take land under this division.
(sec.25-ssec.4) This section applies despite the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , section 41 .
(a) lease, or agree to lease, to any person land taken, or proposed to be taken, under this division;
(b) sign an agreement with any person to carry out, own, operate or maintain any works or development on land taken, or proposed to be taken, under this division;
(c) sign an agreement with any person in relation to works or development for land taken, or proposed to be taken, under this division;
(d) sell land taken, or agree to sell land proposed to be taken, under this division.
sec.26
Notice of intention to dispose of land that is not required
sec.26 Notice of intention to dispose of land that is not required
This section applies in relation to land taken under this division and held by the authority if, within 7 years after the day the land is taken—
the land is no longer required by the authority; and
the authority intends to dispose of the land.
The authority must, by notice, advise the former owner of the land that the authority intends to offer the land to the former owner.
The notice must state—
that the former owner must, within 28 days after the notice is given, give notice to the authority (the response notice ) stating whether or not the former owner is interested in buying the land; and
that the authority may dispose of the land to another person if—
the authority does not receive the response notice under paragraph (a) ; or
the response notice states that the former owner is not interested in buying the land; and
if the authority has taken an easement under subsection (4) —the nature and terms of the easement.
Before giving a notice under subsection (2) , the authority may take an easement over all or part of the land to ensure the structural and operational integrity of any transport infrastructure on the land.
This section applies despite the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , section 41 .
(sec.26-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to land taken under this division and held by the authority if, within 7 years after the day the land is taken— the land is no longer required by the authority; and the authority intends to dispose of the land.
(sec.26-ssec.2) The authority must, by notice, advise the former owner of the land that the authority intends to offer the land to the former owner.
(sec.26-ssec.3) The notice must state— that the former owner must, within 28 days after the notice is given, give notice to the authority (the response notice ) stating whether or not the former owner is interested in buying the land; and that the authority may dispose of the land to another person if— the authority does not receive the response notice under paragraph (a) ; or the response notice states that the former owner is not interested in buying the land; and if the authority has taken an easement under subsection (4) —the nature and terms of the easement.
(sec.26-ssec.4) Before giving a notice under subsection (2) , the authority may take an easement over all or part of the land to ensure the structural and operational integrity of any transport infrastructure on the land.
(sec.26-ssec.5) This section applies despite the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , section 41 .
(a) the land is no longer required by the authority; and
(b) the authority intends to dispose of the land.
(a) that the former owner must, within 28 days after the notice is given, give notice to the authority (the response notice ) stating whether or not the former owner is interested in buying the land; and
(b) that the authority may dispose of the land to another person if— (i) the authority does not receive the response notice under paragraph (a) ; or (ii) the response notice states that the former owner is not interested in buying the land; and
(i) the authority does not receive the response notice under paragraph (a) ; or
(ii) the response notice states that the former owner is not interested in buying the land; and
(c) if the authority has taken an easement under subsection (4) —the nature and terms of the easement.
(i) the authority does not receive the response notice under paragraph (a) ; or
(ii) the response notice states that the former owner is not interested in buying the land; and
sec.27
Power to dispose of land that is not required
sec.27 Power to dispose of land that is not required
Subsection (2) applies if the former owner of land taken under this division gives the authority a response notice for the land stating that the former owner is interested in buying the land.
The authority must, by notice, offer the land, subject to any easement over the land, for sale to the former owner at a price decided by the authority.
Subsection (4) applies if the former owner of land taken under this division—
does not give a response notice for the land; or
gives a response notice stating that the former owner is not interested in buying the land; or
does not accept an offer for the sale of the land made by the authority.
The authority may dispose of the land, subject to any easement over the land.
In deciding the price for which the land may be sold under subsection (2) or (4) , the authority must consider—
a valuation by a valuer registered under the Valuers Registration Act 1992 ; and
the policies and systems for the management of government assets; and
the existence of any easement over the land.
A person contracting or otherwise dealing with the authority in relation to land does not have to ask whether section 26 or this section has been complied with.
The title of any person to land acquired from the authority is not affected by a failure to comply with section 26 or this section.
This section applies despite the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , section 41 .
(sec.27-ssec.1) Subsection (2) applies if the former owner of land taken under this division gives the authority a response notice for the land stating that the former owner is interested in buying the land.
(sec.27-ssec.2) The authority must, by notice, offer the land, subject to any easement over the land, for sale to the former owner at a price decided by the authority.
(sec.27-ssec.3) Subsection (4) applies if the former owner of land taken under this division— does not give a response notice for the land; or gives a response notice stating that the former owner is not interested in buying the land; or does not accept an offer for the sale of the land made by the authority.
(sec.27-ssec.4) The authority may dispose of the land, subject to any easement over the land.
(sec.27-ssec.5) In deciding the price for which the land may be sold under subsection (2) or (4) , the authority must consider— a valuation by a valuer registered under the Valuers Registration Act 1992 ; and the policies and systems for the management of government assets; and the existence of any easement over the land.
(sec.27-ssec.6) A person contracting or otherwise dealing with the authority in relation to land does not have to ask whether section 26 or this section has been complied with.
(sec.27-ssec.7) The title of any person to land acquired from the authority is not affected by a failure to comply with section 26 or this section.
(sec.27-ssec.8) This section applies despite the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , section 41 .
(a) does not give a response notice for the land; or
(b) gives a response notice stating that the former owner is not interested in buying the land; or
(c) does not accept an offer for the sale of the land made by the authority.
(a) a valuation by a valuer registered under the Valuers Registration Act 1992 ; and
(b) the policies and systems for the management of government assets; and
(c) the existence of any easement over the land.
sec.28
Holding land or other property obtained as security
sec.28 Holding land or other property obtained as security
This section applies if the authority acquires or otherwise becomes entitled to land or other property as security for, or in satisfaction, liquidation or discharge of, a debt owing to the authority.
The authority may hold the land or property until it can be advantageously disposed of.
(sec.28-ssec.1) This section applies if the authority acquires or otherwise becomes entitled to land or other property as security for, or in satisfaction, liquidation or discharge of, a debt owing to the authority.
(sec.28-ssec.2) The authority may hold the land or property until it can be advantageously disposed of.
pt.2-div.4
Community service obligations
Community service obligations
sec.29
Community service obligations to be stated in operational plan
sec.29 Community service obligations to be stated in operational plan
The authority’s operational plan for a financial year must state—
the obligations (the community service obligations ) that the Minister—
is satisfied are not in the authority’s commercial interests to perform; and
has directed the authority to perform in the financial year; and
the costings of, funding for, or other arrangements to make adjustments relating to, the authority’s community service obligations for the financial year, as agreed between the Minister and the authority.
The authority’s operational plan is conclusive, as between the government and the authority, of—
the nature and extent of the authority’s community service obligations; and
the ways in which, and the extent to which, the authority is to be compensated by the government for performing its community service obligations.
In this section—
operational plan , of the authority, means the authority’s operational plan under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 .
(sec.29-ssec.1) The authority’s operational plan for a financial year must state— the obligations (the community service obligations ) that the Minister— is satisfied are not in the authority’s commercial interests to perform; and has directed the authority to perform in the financial year; and the costings of, funding for, or other arrangements to make adjustments relating to, the authority’s community service obligations for the financial year, as agreed between the Minister and the authority.
(sec.29-ssec.2) The authority’s operational plan is conclusive, as between the government and the authority, of— the nature and extent of the authority’s community service obligations; and the ways in which, and the extent to which, the authority is to be compensated by the government for performing its community service obligations.
(sec.29-ssec.3) In this section— operational plan , of the authority, means the authority’s operational plan under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 .
(a) the obligations (the community service obligations ) that the Minister— (i) is satisfied are not in the authority’s commercial interests to perform; and (ii) has directed the authority to perform in the financial year; and
(i) is satisfied are not in the authority’s commercial interests to perform; and
(ii) has directed the authority to perform in the financial year; and
(b) the costings of, funding for, or other arrangements to make adjustments relating to, the authority’s community service obligations for the financial year, as agreed between the Minister and the authority.
(i) is satisfied are not in the authority’s commercial interests to perform; and
(ii) has directed the authority to perform in the financial year; and
(a) the nature and extent of the authority’s community service obligations; and
(b) the ways in which, and the extent to which, the authority is to be compensated by the government for performing its community service obligations.
pt.3
Cross River Rail Delivery Board
Cross River Rail Delivery Board
pt.3-div.1
Establishment, functions and powers
Establishment, functions and powers
sec.30
Establishment
sec.30 Establishment
The authority has a board of management (the Cross River Rail Delivery Board ).
sec.31
Functions
sec.31 Functions
The functions of the board are—
to ensure the proper, efficient and effective performance of the authority’s functions; and
to decide the objectives, strategies and policies to be followed by the authority; and
to ensure that the authority complies with its strategic plan, and operational plan, under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 for a financial year; and
to report to the Minister about the performance of the authority’s functions; and
another function given to the board under this Act.
(a) to ensure the proper, efficient and effective performance of the authority’s functions; and
(b) to decide the objectives, strategies and policies to be followed by the authority; and
(c) to ensure that the authority complies with its strategic plan, and operational plan, under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 for a financial year; and
(d) to report to the Minister about the performance of the authority’s functions; and
(e) another function given to the board under this Act.
sec.32
Powers
sec.32 Powers
The board has the power to do anything necessary or convenient to be done in performing its functions.
The board may give a written direction to the chief executive officer about the performance of the officer’s responsibilities.
Anything done in the name of, or for, the authority by the board, or with the authority of the board, is taken to have been done by the authority.
(sec.32-ssec.1) The board has the power to do anything necessary or convenient to be done in performing its functions.
(sec.32-ssec.2) The board may give a written direction to the chief executive officer about the performance of the officer’s responsibilities.
(sec.32-ssec.3) Anything done in the name of, or for, the authority by the board, or with the authority of the board, is taken to have been done by the authority.
pt.3-div.2
Membership
Membership
sec.33
Membership of board
sec.33 Membership of board
The board consists of the following persons (each a board member )—
the chief executive of the department in which the Auditor-General Act 2009 is administered, or a senior executive nominated by that chief executive;
the chief executive of the department in which the Financial Accountability Act 2009 is administered, or a senior executive nominated by that chief executive;
the chief executive of the department in which the Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) Act 2017 is administered, or a senior executive nominated by that chief executive;
the chief executive of the department in which this Act is administered, or a senior executive nominated by the chief executive;
not more than 6 other members.
A board member mentioned in subsection (1) (a) , (b) , (c) or (d) is a permanent board member .
A board member mentioned in subsection (1) (e) is an appointed board member .
Appointed board members are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister.
In recommending a person to the Governor in Council for appointment to the board, the Minister must be satisfied the person has qualifications or experience in a field relevant to a function of the authority.
An appointed board member may be appointed on a full-time or part-time basis.
An appointed board member is appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022 .
A senior executive nominated by a chief executive under subsection (1) (a) , (b) , (c) or (d) is a board member for the period decided by that chief executive.
s 33 amd 2018 No. 27 s 102 ; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
(sec.33-ssec.1) The board consists of the following persons (each a board member )— the chief executive of the department in which the Auditor-General Act 2009 is administered, or a senior executive nominated by that chief executive; the chief executive of the department in which the Financial Accountability Act 2009 is administered, or a senior executive nominated by that chief executive; the chief executive of the department in which the Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) Act 2017 is administered, or a senior executive nominated by that chief executive; the chief executive of the department in which this Act is administered, or a senior executive nominated by the chief executive; not more than 6 other members.
(sec.33-ssec.2) A board member mentioned in subsection (1) (a) , (b) , (c) or (d) is a permanent board member .
(sec.33-ssec.3) A board member mentioned in subsection (1) (e) is an appointed board member .
(sec.33-ssec.4) Appointed board members are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister.
(sec.33-ssec.5) In recommending a person to the Governor in Council for appointment to the board, the Minister must be satisfied the person has qualifications or experience in a field relevant to a function of the authority.
(sec.33-ssec.6) An appointed board member may be appointed on a full-time or part-time basis.
(sec.33-ssec.7) An appointed board member is appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022 .
(sec.33-ssec.8) A senior executive nominated by a chief executive under subsection (1) (a) , (b) , (c) or (d) is a board member for the period decided by that chief executive.
(a) the chief executive of the department in which the Auditor-General Act 2009 is administered, or a senior executive nominated by that chief executive;
(b) the chief executive of the department in which the Financial Accountability Act 2009 is administered, or a senior executive nominated by that chief executive;
(c) the chief executive of the department in which the Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) Act 2017 is administered, or a senior executive nominated by that chief executive;
(d) the chief executive of the department in which this Act is administered, or a senior executive nominated by the chief executive;
(e) not more than 6 other members.
sec.34
Chairperson and deputy chairperson
sec.34 Chairperson and deputy chairperson
The Governor in Council may appoint—
a board member to be the chairperson of the board; and
another board member to be the deputy chairperson of the board.
A board member may be appointed as the chairperson or deputy chairperson at the same time the person is appointed as a board member.
The chairperson and deputy chairperson may be appointed on a full-time or part-time basis.
The chairperson or deputy chairperson holds office for the term, ending not later than the person’s term of appointment as a board member, stated in the person’s appointment as chairperson or deputy chairperson.
However, a person’s appointment as chairperson or deputy chairperson ends if, during the term of appointment, the person stops being a board member.
The deputy chairperson must act as chairperson—
during a vacancy in the office of chairperson; and
during all periods when the chairperson is absent from duty or for another reason can not perform the duties of the office.
(sec.34-ssec.1) The Governor in Council may appoint— a board member to be the chairperson of the board; and another board member to be the deputy chairperson of the board.
(sec.34-ssec.2) A board member may be appointed as the chairperson or deputy chairperson at the same time the person is appointed as a board member.
(sec.34-ssec.3) The chairperson and deputy chairperson may be appointed on a full-time or part-time basis.
(sec.34-ssec.4) The chairperson or deputy chairperson holds office for the term, ending not later than the person’s term of appointment as a board member, stated in the person’s appointment as chairperson or deputy chairperson.
(sec.34-ssec.5) However, a person’s appointment as chairperson or deputy chairperson ends if, during the term of appointment, the person stops being a board member.
(sec.34-ssec.6) The deputy chairperson must act as chairperson— during a vacancy in the office of chairperson; and during all periods when the chairperson is absent from duty or for another reason can not perform the duties of the office.
(a) a board member to be the chairperson of the board; and
(b) another board member to be the deputy chairperson of the board.
(a) during a vacancy in the office of chairperson; and
(b) during all periods when the chairperson is absent from duty or for another reason can not perform the duties of the office.
sec.35
Disqualification as appointed board member
sec.35 Disqualification as appointed board member
A person is disqualified from becoming, or continuing as, an appointed board member if the person—
has a conviction, other than a spent conviction, for an indictable offence; or
is an insolvent under administration; or
is disqualified from managing corporations because of the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or
is a member of the authority’s staff or a contractor of the authority.
(a) has a conviction, other than a spent conviction, for an indictable offence; or
(b) is an insolvent under administration; or
(c) is disqualified from managing corporations because of the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or
(d) is a member of the authority’s staff or a contractor of the authority.
sec.36
Term of appointment
sec.36 Term of appointment
An appointed board member holds office for the term, not longer than 3 years, stated in the member’s instrument of appointment.
Subsection (1) does not prevent an appointed board member being reappointed.
(sec.36-ssec.1) An appointed board member holds office for the term, not longer than 3 years, stated in the member’s instrument of appointment.
(sec.36-ssec.2) Subsection (1) does not prevent an appointed board member being reappointed.
sec.37
Conditions of appointment
sec.37 Conditions of appointment
An appointed board member is to be paid the remuneration and allowances decided by the Governor in Council.
An appointed board member holds office on the terms and conditions, not provided for by this Act, decided by the Governor in Council.
(sec.37-ssec.1) An appointed board member is to be paid the remuneration and allowances decided by the Governor in Council.
(sec.37-ssec.2) An appointed board member holds office on the terms and conditions, not provided for by this Act, decided by the Governor in Council.
sec.38
Vacancy in office
sec.38 Vacancy in office
An appointed board member’s office becomes vacant if the member—
completes a term of office and is not reappointed; or
resigns office by signed notice given to the Minister; or
becomes disqualified under section 35 from continuing as an appointed board member.
(a) completes a term of office and is not reappointed; or
(b) resigns office by signed notice given to the Minister; or
(c) becomes disqualified under section 35 from continuing as an appointed board member.
sec.39
Leave of absence
sec.39 Leave of absence
The Minister may—
approve a leave of absence for the chairperson or deputy chairperson; and
appoint someone else to act in the office of the deputy chairperson while the deputy chairperson is absent on leave.
The chairperson may—
approve a leave of absence for an appointed board member, other than the chairperson or deputy chairperson; and
appoint someone else to act in the office of the appointed board member while the member is absent on leave.
(sec.39-ssec.1) The Minister may— approve a leave of absence for the chairperson or deputy chairperson; and appoint someone else to act in the office of the deputy chairperson while the deputy chairperson is absent on leave.
(sec.39-ssec.2) The chairperson may— approve a leave of absence for an appointed board member, other than the chairperson or deputy chairperson; and appoint someone else to act in the office of the appointed board member while the member is absent on leave.
(a) approve a leave of absence for the chairperson or deputy chairperson; and
(b) appoint someone else to act in the office of the deputy chairperson while the deputy chairperson is absent on leave.
(a) approve a leave of absence for an appointed board member, other than the chairperson or deputy chairperson; and
(b) appoint someone else to act in the office of the appointed board member while the member is absent on leave.
sec.40
Register of interests
sec.40 Register of interests
The authority must keep a register of each board member’s pecuniary interests.
Each appointed board member must, as soon as practicable after the member’s appointment to the board, give the Minister and integrity commissioner a written summary of the member’s pecuniary interests at the time of the member’s appointment.
Each permanent board member must, before acting in the office of board member, give the Minister and integrity commissioner a written summary of the member’s pecuniary interests.
Each board member must, within 30 days after any substantial change in the member’s pecuniary interests, give the Minister and integrity commissioner notice of the change and an updated written summary of the member’s pecuniary interests.
The register kept under subsection (1) must be updated at least once during each 12-month period of the board member’s term of office.
In this section—
integrity commissioner means the Queensland Integrity Commissioner under the Integrity Act 2009 .
(sec.40-ssec.1) The authority must keep a register of each board member’s pecuniary interests.
(sec.40-ssec.2) Each appointed board member must, as soon as practicable after the member’s appointment to the board, give the Minister and integrity commissioner a written summary of the member’s pecuniary interests at the time of the member’s appointment.
(sec.40-ssec.3) Each permanent board member must, before acting in the office of board member, give the Minister and integrity commissioner a written summary of the member’s pecuniary interests.
(sec.40-ssec.4) Each board member must, within 30 days after any substantial change in the member’s pecuniary interests, give the Minister and integrity commissioner notice of the change and an updated written summary of the member’s pecuniary interests.
(sec.40-ssec.5) The register kept under subsection (1) must be updated at least once during each 12-month period of the board member’s term of office.
(sec.40-ssec.6) In this section— integrity commissioner means the Queensland Integrity Commissioner under the Integrity Act 2009 .
pt.3-div.3
Board meetings
Board meetings
sec.41
Conduct of business
sec.41 Conduct of business
Subject to this division, the board may conduct its business, including its board meetings, in the way it considers appropriate.
sec.42
Board meetings
sec.42 Board meetings
The chairperson may convene a meeting of board members (a board meeting ).
The chairperson must convene a board meeting—
at least 3 times each year; and
if requested in writing by—
3 or more other board members; or
the Minister.
(sec.42-ssec.1) The chairperson may convene a meeting of board members (a board meeting ).
(sec.42-ssec.2) The chairperson must convene a board meeting— at least 3 times each year; and if requested in writing by— 3 or more other board members; or the Minister.
(a) at least 3 times each year; and
(b) if requested in writing by— (i) 3 or more other board members; or (ii) the Minister.
(i) 3 or more other board members; or
(ii) the Minister.
(i) 3 or more other board members; or
(ii) the Minister.
sec.43
Presiding at board meetings
sec.43 Presiding at board meetings
The chairperson is to preside at all board meetings at which the chairperson is present.
If the chairperson is absent from a board meeting, the deputy chairperson is to preside.
If neither the chairperson nor deputy chairperson is present at a board meeting, the board member chosen by the board members present is to preside.
(sec.43-ssec.1) The chairperson is to preside at all board meetings at which the chairperson is present.
(sec.43-ssec.2) If the chairperson is absent from a board meeting, the deputy chairperson is to preside.
(sec.43-ssec.3) If neither the chairperson nor deputy chairperson is present at a board meeting, the board member chosen by the board members present is to preside.
sec.44
Quorum at board meetings
sec.44 Quorum at board meetings
A quorum for a board meeting is a majority of the board’s members for the time being.
However, if at a board meeting a board member present at the meeting is required under this Act not to be present during deliberations, or not to take part in any decision, of the board for a particular matter, the remaining board members present at the meeting constitute a quorum for the meeting.
s 44 amd 2024 No. 2 s 4
(sec.44-ssec.1) A quorum for a board meeting is a majority of the board’s members for the time being.
(sec.44-ssec.2) However, if at a board meeting a board member present at the meeting is required under this Act not to be present during deliberations, or not to take part in any decision, of the board for a particular matter, the remaining board members present at the meeting constitute a quorum for the meeting.
sec.45
Voting at board meetings
sec.45 Voting at board meetings
A question at a board meeting is decided by a majority of the votes of the board members present at the meeting and able to vote on the question.
If the votes are equal, the board member presiding at the board meeting also has a casting vote.
(sec.45-ssec.1) A question at a board meeting is decided by a majority of the votes of the board members present at the meeting and able to vote on the question.
(sec.45-ssec.2) If the votes are equal, the board member presiding at the board meeting also has a casting vote.
sec.46
Disclosure of interests at board meetings
sec.46 Disclosure of interests at board meetings
This section applies to a board member if—
a matter is being considered, or is about to be considered, at a board meeting; and
the member has a material personal interest in the matter; and
the material personal interest could conflict with the proper performance of the member’s duties in relation to the consideration of the matter.
A board member has a material personal interest in the matter if any of the following persons or entities stands to gain a benefit or suffer a loss (either directly or indirectly) because of the outcome of the consideration of the matter—
the board member;
a spouse of the board member;
a parent, child or sibling of the board member;
a partner of the board member;
an employer, other than a government agency, of the board member;
an entity, other than a government agency, of which the board member is an office holder.
As soon as practicable after the relevant facts come to the board member’s knowledge, the member must disclose the nature of the material personal interest to the other board members at the meeting.
The board member may further participate in the meeting only if a majority of the other board members at the meeting vote in favour of the member’s further participation.
However, the board member can not participate in any vote on the matter at the meeting.
A disclosure under subsection (3) must be recorded in the minutes of the board meeting.
A failure to make a disclosure under subsection (3) does not, of itself, invalidate a decision of the board.
(sec.46-ssec.1) This section applies to a board member if— a matter is being considered, or is about to be considered, at a board meeting; and the member has a material personal interest in the matter; and the material personal interest could conflict with the proper performance of the member’s duties in relation to the consideration of the matter.
(sec.46-ssec.2) A board member has a material personal interest in the matter if any of the following persons or entities stands to gain a benefit or suffer a loss (either directly or indirectly) because of the outcome of the consideration of the matter— the board member; a spouse of the board member; a parent, child or sibling of the board member; a partner of the board member; an employer, other than a government agency, of the board member; an entity, other than a government agency, of which the board member is an office holder.
(sec.46-ssec.3) As soon as practicable after the relevant facts come to the board member’s knowledge, the member must disclose the nature of the material personal interest to the other board members at the meeting.
(sec.46-ssec.4) The board member may further participate in the meeting only if a majority of the other board members at the meeting vote in favour of the member’s further participation.
(sec.46-ssec.5) However, the board member can not participate in any vote on the matter at the meeting.
(sec.46-ssec.6) A disclosure under subsection (3) must be recorded in the minutes of the board meeting.
(sec.46-ssec.7) A failure to make a disclosure under subsection (3) does not, of itself, invalidate a decision of the board.
(a) a matter is being considered, or is about to be considered, at a board meeting; and
(b) the member has a material personal interest in the matter; and
(c) the material personal interest could conflict with the proper performance of the member’s duties in relation to the consideration of the matter.
(a) the board member;
(b) a spouse of the board member;
(c) a parent, child or sibling of the board member;
(d) a partner of the board member;
(e) an employer, other than a government agency, of the board member;
(f) an entity, other than a government agency, of which the board member is an office holder.
sec.47
Minutes
sec.47 Minutes
The board must keep minutes of its board meetings.
sec.48
Decisions of the board without board meetings
sec.48 Decisions of the board without board meetings
The board may make a decision without having a board meeting if—
the board has previously decided that the decision, or type of decision, can be made without a board meeting; and
a majority of the board members entitled to vote on the proposed decision indicate agreement with the decision, in the way previously approved by the board; and
all board members were informed of the proposed decision, or reasonable efforts were made to inform all board members of the proposed decision.
For subsection (1) (b) , a board member is not entitled to vote on a proposed decision if the member would not be entitled to vote on the decision if it had been considered at a board meeting.
The board must keep a record of decisions made under this section.
(sec.48-ssec.1) The board may make a decision without having a board meeting if— the board has previously decided that the decision, or type of decision, can be made without a board meeting; and a majority of the board members entitled to vote on the proposed decision indicate agreement with the decision, in the way previously approved by the board; and all board members were informed of the proposed decision, or reasonable efforts were made to inform all board members of the proposed decision.
(sec.48-ssec.2) For subsection (1) (b) , a board member is not entitled to vote on a proposed decision if the member would not be entitled to vote on the decision if it had been considered at a board meeting.
(sec.48-ssec.3) The board must keep a record of decisions made under this section.
(a) the board has previously decided that the decision, or type of decision, can be made without a board meeting; and
(b) a majority of the board members entitled to vote on the proposed decision indicate agreement with the decision, in the way previously approved by the board; and
(c) all board members were informed of the proposed decision, or reasonable efforts were made to inform all board members of the proposed decision.
pt.4
Chief executive officer
Chief executive officer
sec.49
Appointment
sec.49 Appointment
The board must, in consultation with the Minister, appoint a chief executive officer.
The chief executive officer—
is an employee of the authority; and
is appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022 .
If there is a vacancy in the office of the chief executive officer or the chief executive officer is for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office, the board may appoint a person to act as the chief executive officer for a period of not more than 6 months.
Subsection (3) does not limit the power of the board, in consultation with the Minister, to appoint a person under the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 25 (1) (b) to act as the chief executive officer.
Despite subsection (2) , if a person appointed (whether under subsection (3) or by a power mentioned in subsection (4) ) to act as the chief executive officer is an officer or employee of a government agency, the authority and the chief executive of that agency may agree to treat the appointment as if it were an alternative staffing arrangement under section 58 .
s 49 amd 2018 No. 27 s 103 ; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
(sec.49-ssec.1) The board must, in consultation with the Minister, appoint a chief executive officer.
(sec.49-ssec.2) The chief executive officer— is an employee of the authority; and is appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022 .
(sec.49-ssec.3) If there is a vacancy in the office of the chief executive officer or the chief executive officer is for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office, the board may appoint a person to act as the chief executive officer for a period of not more than 6 months.
(sec.49-ssec.4) Subsection (3) does not limit the power of the board, in consultation with the Minister, to appoint a person under the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 25 (1) (b) to act as the chief executive officer.
(sec.49-ssec.5) Despite subsection (2) , if a person appointed (whether under subsection (3) or by a power mentioned in subsection (4) ) to act as the chief executive officer is an officer or employee of a government agency, the authority and the chief executive of that agency may agree to treat the appointment as if it were an alternative staffing arrangement under section 58 .
(a) is an employee of the authority; and
(b) is appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022 .
sec.50
Chief executive officer’s responsibilities
sec.50 Chief executive officer’s responsibilities
The chief executive officer is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the authority, including—
employing persons under section 57 (1) ; and
arranging for the services of officers or employees of a government agency under section 58 (1) ; and
engaging contractors of the authority.
In carrying out the chief executive officer’s responsibilities, the chief executive officer must act in compliance with the written policies and directions of the board.
The chief executive officer is accountable to the board.
(sec.50-ssec.1) The chief executive officer is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the authority, including— employing persons under section 57 (1) ; and arranging for the services of officers or employees of a government agency under section 58 (1) ; and engaging contractors of the authority.
(sec.50-ssec.2) In carrying out the chief executive officer’s responsibilities, the chief executive officer must act in compliance with the written policies and directions of the board.
(sec.50-ssec.3) The chief executive officer is accountable to the board.
(a) employing persons under section 57 (1) ; and
(b) arranging for the services of officers or employees of a government agency under section 58 (1) ; and
(c) engaging contractors of the authority.
sec.51
Disqualification as chief executive officer
sec.51 Disqualification as chief executive officer
A person is disqualified from becoming, or continuing as, the chief executive officer if the person—
has a conviction, other than a spent conviction, for an indictable offence; or
is an insolvent under administration; or
is disqualified from managing corporations because of the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or
is a contractor of the authority; or
contravenes section 55 or 56 .
(a) has a conviction, other than a spent conviction, for an indictable offence; or
(b) is an insolvent under administration; or
(c) is disqualified from managing corporations because of the Corporations Act , part 2D .6; or
(d) is a contractor of the authority; or
(e) contravenes section 55 or 56 .
sec.52
Term of appointment
sec.52 Term of appointment
The chief executive officer is appointed for the term, not longer than 5 years, stated in the officer’s instrument of appointment.
Subsection (1) does not prevent a person from being reappointed as chief executive officer.
(sec.52-ssec.1) The chief executive officer is appointed for the term, not longer than 5 years, stated in the officer’s instrument of appointment.
(sec.52-ssec.2) Subsection (1) does not prevent a person from being reappointed as chief executive officer.
sec.53
Conditions of appointment
sec.53 Conditions of appointment
The chief executive officer is to be paid the remuneration and allowances decided by the board.
For matters not provided for under this Act or stated in the chief executive officer’s instrument of appointment, the chief executive officer holds office on the terms and conditions decided by the board.
(sec.53-ssec.1) The chief executive officer is to be paid the remuneration and allowances decided by the board.
(sec.53-ssec.2) For matters not provided for under this Act or stated in the chief executive officer’s instrument of appointment, the chief executive officer holds office on the terms and conditions decided by the board.
sec.54
Vacancy in office
sec.54 Vacancy in office
The office of the chief executive officer becomes vacant if the chief executive officer—
completes a term of office and is not reappointed; or
resigns office by signed notice given to the board; or
becomes disqualified under section 51 from continuing as chief executive officer.
(a) completes a term of office and is not reappointed; or
(b) resigns office by signed notice given to the board; or
(c) becomes disqualified under section 51 from continuing as chief executive officer.
sec.55
Chief executive officer not to engage in other paid employment
sec.55 Chief executive officer not to engage in other paid employment
The chief executive officer must not, without the board’s prior written approval—
engage in paid employment outside the responsibilities of the office of the chief executive officer; or
actively take part in the activities of a business, or in the management of a corporation carrying on a business.
(a) engage in paid employment outside the responsibilities of the office of the chief executive officer; or
(b) actively take part in the activities of a business, or in the management of a corporation carrying on a business.
sec.56
Conflicts of interest
sec.56 Conflicts of interest
If the chief executive officer has an interest that conflicts, or may conflict, with the discharge of the officer’s responsibilities, the officer—
must disclose the nature of the interest and conflict to the board as soon as practicable after the relevant facts come to the officer’s knowledge; and
must not take action or further action concerning a matter that is, or may be, affected by the conflict unless authorised by the board.
(a) must disclose the nature of the interest and conflict to the board as soon as practicable after the relevant facts come to the officer’s knowledge; and
(b) must not take action or further action concerning a matter that is, or may be, affected by the conflict unless authorised by the board.
pt.5
Other staff
Other staff
sec.57
Authority staff
sec.57 Authority staff
The authority may employ other staff it considers appropriate to perform its functions.
The staff are appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022 .
s 57 amd 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
(sec.57-ssec.1) The authority may employ other staff it considers appropriate to perform its functions.
(sec.57-ssec.2) The staff are appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022 .
sec.58
Alternative staffing arrangements
sec.58 Alternative staffing arrangements
The authority may, with the agreement of the chief executive of a government agency, arrange for the services of officers or employees of the agency to be made available to the authority.
An officer or employee whose services are made available under subsection (1) —
continues to be an officer or employee of the government agency; and
continues to be employed or otherwise engaged by the government agency on the same terms and conditions applying to the officer or employee immediately before the services were made available; and
is, for the period the services are made available and for the performance of the authority’s functions, taken to be a member of the authority’s staff.
Nothing in subsection (1) requires the chief executive of a government agency to enter into an arrangement mentioned in that subsection.
(sec.58-ssec.1) The authority may, with the agreement of the chief executive of a government agency, arrange for the services of officers or employees of the agency to be made available to the authority.
(sec.58-ssec.2) An officer or employee whose services are made available under subsection (1) — continues to be an officer or employee of the government agency; and continues to be employed or otherwise engaged by the government agency on the same terms and conditions applying to the officer or employee immediately before the services were made available; and is, for the period the services are made available and for the performance of the authority’s functions, taken to be a member of the authority’s staff.
(sec.58-ssec.3) Nothing in subsection (1) requires the chief executive of a government agency to enter into an arrangement mentioned in that subsection.
(a) continues to be an officer or employee of the government agency; and
(b) continues to be employed or otherwise engaged by the government agency on the same terms and conditions applying to the officer or employee immediately before the services were made available; and
(c) is, for the period the services are made available and for the performance of the authority’s functions, taken to be a member of the authority’s staff.
pt.6
Cross River Rail Delivery Fund
Cross River Rail Delivery Fund
sec.59
Establishment
sec.59 Establishment
The Cross River Rail Delivery Fund is established.
The fund is to be administered by the authority.
The fund does not form part of the consolidated fund.
(sec.59-ssec.1) The Cross River Rail Delivery Fund is established.
(sec.59-ssec.2) The fund is to be administered by the authority.
(sec.59-ssec.3) The fund does not form part of the consolidated fund.
sec.60
Payments of amounts into fund
sec.60 Payments of amounts into fund
The following amounts are payable into the fund—
amounts received by the authority for a dealing in land or other property under this Act;
amounts received by the authority for a borrowing under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , part 5 ;
amounts received by the authority for an investment under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , part 6 ;
amounts received by the authority for carrying out a function or exercising a power as a delegate of MEDQ under the Economic Development Act 2012 that the delegation provides may be retained by the authority;
any other amounts received by the authority in carrying out its functions or exercising its powers under this Act, including, for example, interest received in relation to a fund or bank account kept under this Act;
any amount appropriated by Parliament for the purposes of the fund;
any amount paid into the fund at the direction of or with the approval of the Minister and the Treasurer.
(a) amounts received by the authority for a dealing in land or other property under this Act;
(b) amounts received by the authority for a borrowing under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , part 5 ;
(c) amounts received by the authority for an investment under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , part 6 ;
(d) amounts received by the authority for carrying out a function or exercising a power as a delegate of MEDQ under the Economic Development Act 2012 that the delegation provides may be retained by the authority;
(e) any other amounts received by the authority in carrying out its functions or exercising its powers under this Act, including, for example, interest received in relation to a fund or bank account kept under this Act;
(f) any amount appropriated by Parliament for the purposes of the fund;
(g) any amount paid into the fund at the direction of or with the approval of the Minister and the Treasurer.
sec.61
Payments of amounts from fund
sec.61 Payments of amounts from fund
A payment of an amount from the fund may be made for any of the following purposes—
paying expenses incurred by the authority for—
a dealing in land or other property under this Act; or
the provision of infrastructure or other activities, facilities or services under this Act; or
the administration or enforcement of this Act; or
performing another function, or exercising another power, under this Act;
paying fees or expenses related to administering the fund or another fund or bank account kept under this Act;
paying an amount the Minister and the Treasurer direct the authority, in writing, to pay into the consolidated fund.
(a) paying expenses incurred by the authority for— (i) a dealing in land or other property under this Act; or (ii) the provision of infrastructure or other activities, facilities or services under this Act; or (iii) the administration or enforcement of this Act; or (iv) performing another function, or exercising another power, under this Act;
(i) a dealing in land or other property under this Act; or
(ii) the provision of infrastructure or other activities, facilities or services under this Act; or
(iii) the administration or enforcement of this Act; or
(iv) performing another function, or exercising another power, under this Act;
(b) paying fees or expenses related to administering the fund or another fund or bank account kept under this Act;
(c) paying an amount the Minister and the Treasurer direct the authority, in writing, to pay into the consolidated fund.
(i) a dealing in land or other property under this Act; or
(ii) the provision of infrastructure or other activities, facilities or services under this Act; or
(iii) the administration or enforcement of this Act; or
(iv) performing another function, or exercising another power, under this Act;
pt.7
Offences and legal proceedings
Offences and legal proceedings
pt.7-div.1
Offences
Offences
sec.62
Duty to act honestly
sec.62 Duty to act honestly
This section applies to a person who is—
a board member; or
the chief executive officer; or
a member of the authority’s staff; or
a contractor of the authority.
The person must at all times act honestly in the performance of the person’s functions and the exercise of the person’s powers under this Act.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
(sec.62-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who is— a board member; or the chief executive officer; or a member of the authority’s staff; or a contractor of the authority.
(sec.62-ssec.2) The person must at all times act honestly in the performance of the person’s functions and the exercise of the person’s powers under this Act. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
(a) a board member; or
(b) the chief executive officer; or
(c) a member of the authority’s staff; or
(d) a contractor of the authority.
sec.63
New convictions must be disclosed
sec.63 New convictions must be disclosed
This section applies if a person who is an appointed board member or the chief executive officer is convicted of an indictable offence during the term of the person’s appointment.
The person must, unless the person has a reasonable excuse, immediately give notice of the conviction to the Minister.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
The notice must include the following information—
the existence of the conviction;
when the offence was committed;
sufficient details to identify the offence;
the sentence imposed on the person.
(sec.63-ssec.1) This section applies if a person who is an appointed board member or the chief executive officer is convicted of an indictable offence during the term of the person’s appointment.
(sec.63-ssec.2) The person must, unless the person has a reasonable excuse, immediately give notice of the conviction to the Minister. Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(sec.63-ssec.3) The notice must include the following information— the existence of the conviction; when the offence was committed; sufficient details to identify the offence; the sentence imposed on the person.
(a) the existence of the conviction;
(b) when the offence was committed;
(c) sufficient details to identify the offence;
(d) the sentence imposed on the person.
sec.64
Use of confidential information
sec.64 Use of confidential information
This section applies to a person who—
is, or has been, a board member, the chief executive officer, a member of the authority’s staff or a contractor of the authority; and
obtains confidential information in administering, or performing a function under, this Act.
The person must not, whether directly or indirectly, disclose the confidential information unless the disclosure is—
in the performance of a function or exercise of a power under this Act; or
with the consent of the person to whom the information relates; or
otherwise required or permitted by law.
Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
(sec.64-ssec.1) This section applies to a person who— is, or has been, a board member, the chief executive officer, a member of the authority’s staff or a contractor of the authority; and obtains confidential information in administering, or performing a function under, this Act.
(sec.64-ssec.2) The person must not, whether directly or indirectly, disclose the confidential information unless the disclosure is— in the performance of a function or exercise of a power under this Act; or with the consent of the person to whom the information relates; or otherwise required or permitted by law. Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.
(a) is, or has been, a board member, the chief executive officer, a member of the authority’s staff or a contractor of the authority; and
(b) obtains confidential information in administering, or performing a function under, this Act.
(a) in the performance of a function or exercise of a power under this Act; or
(b) with the consent of the person to whom the information relates; or
(c) otherwise required or permitted by law.
pt.7-div.2
Evidentiary provisions
Evidentiary provisions
sec.65
Offences against this Act
sec.65 Offences against this Act
An offence against this Act is a summary offence.
A proceeding for the offence must start within whichever is the longer of the following—
1 year after the commission of the offence;
6 months after the offence comes to the complainant’s knowledge, but within 2 years after the commission of the offence.
(sec.65-ssec.1) An offence against this Act is a summary offence.
(sec.65-ssec.2) A proceeding for the offence must start within whichever is the longer of the following— 1 year after the commission of the offence; 6 months after the offence comes to the complainant’s knowledge, but within 2 years after the commission of the offence.
(a) 1 year after the commission of the offence;
(b) 6 months after the offence comes to the complainant’s knowledge, but within 2 years after the commission of the offence.
sec.66
Appointments and authority
sec.66 Appointments and authority
In a proceeding, the following must be presumed unless a party to the proceeding, by reasonable notice, requires proof of it—
the appointment under this Act of an appointed board member or the chief executive officer;
the authority of a board member, the chief executive officer, a member of the authority’s staff, or a contractor of the authority, to do anything under this Act.
(a) the appointment under this Act of an appointed board member or the chief executive officer;
(b) the authority of a board member, the chief executive officer, a member of the authority’s staff, or a contractor of the authority, to do anything under this Act.
sec.67
Signatures
sec.67 Signatures
A signature purporting to be the signature of a board member or the chief executive officer is evidence of the signature it purports to be.
sec.68
Other evidentiary aids
sec.68 Other evidentiary aids
In a proceeding, a certificate purporting to be that of the chairperson stating any of the following matters is evidence of the matter—
a stated document is an appointment made under this Act;
a stated document is a document made by, or given to, the authority;
a stated document is a copy of a document mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) .
A statement in a complaint for an offence against this Act that the matter of the complaint came to the complainant’s knowledge on a stated day is evidence the matter came to the complainant’s knowledge on that day.
(sec.68-ssec.1) In a proceeding, a certificate purporting to be that of the chairperson stating any of the following matters is evidence of the matter— a stated document is an appointment made under this Act; a stated document is a document made by, or given to, the authority; a stated document is a copy of a document mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) .
(sec.68-ssec.2) A statement in a complaint for an offence against this Act that the matter of the complaint came to the complainant’s knowledge on a stated day is evidence the matter came to the complainant’s knowledge on that day.
(a) a stated document is an appointment made under this Act;
(b) a stated document is a document made by, or given to, the authority;
(c) a stated document is a copy of a document mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) .
pt.8
Other matters
Other matters
sec.69
Relationship with Queensland Heritage Act 1992
sec.69 Relationship with Queensland Heritage Act 1992
This section applies to proposed development for the cross river rail project, or a transport-related project, if the development is to be carried out in relation to a Queensland heritage place under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 .
For the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 , section 71 , the development is taken to be development proposed to be carried out by the State.
The Queensland Heritage Act 1992 , section 71 applies to the proposed development—
as if the reference in the section to the chief executive of the department or agency proposing the development were a reference to the chief executive officer; and
as if a reference in the section to the Minister proposing the development were a reference to the authority; and
with any other necessary changes.
(sec.69-ssec.1) This section applies to proposed development for the cross river rail project, or a transport-related project, if the development is to be carried out in relation to a Queensland heritage place under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 .
(sec.69-ssec.2) For the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 , section 71 , the development is taken to be development proposed to be carried out by the State.
(sec.69-ssec.3) The Queensland Heritage Act 1992 , section 71 applies to the proposed development— as if the reference in the section to the chief executive of the department or agency proposing the development were a reference to the chief executive officer; and as if a reference in the section to the Minister proposing the development were a reference to the authority; and with any other necessary changes.
(a) as if the reference in the section to the chief executive of the department or agency proposing the development were a reference to the chief executive officer; and
(b) as if a reference in the section to the Minister proposing the development were a reference to the authority; and
(c) with any other necessary changes.
sec.70
Criminal history report
sec.70 Criminal history report
To decide if a person is disqualified from becoming or continuing as the chief executive officer or an appointed board member, the Minister may ask the commissioner of the police service for—
a written report about the criminal history of the person; and
a brief description of the circumstances of a conviction mentioned in the criminal history.
However, the Minister may make the request only if the person has given the Minister written consent for the request.
The commissioner of the police service must comply with the request.
However, the duty to comply applies only to information in the commissioner’s possession or to which the commissioner has access.
The Minister must ensure the report is destroyed as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was requested.
In this section—
criminal history , for a person, means the person’s criminal history as defined under the Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986 , other than spent convictions.
(sec.70-ssec.1) To decide if a person is disqualified from becoming or continuing as the chief executive officer or an appointed board member, the Minister may ask the commissioner of the police service for— a written report about the criminal history of the person; and a brief description of the circumstances of a conviction mentioned in the criminal history.
(sec.70-ssec.2) However, the Minister may make the request only if the person has given the Minister written consent for the request.
(sec.70-ssec.3) The commissioner of the police service must comply with the request.
(sec.70-ssec.4) However, the duty to comply applies only to information in the commissioner’s possession or to which the commissioner has access.
(sec.70-ssec.5) The Minister must ensure the report is destroyed as soon as practicable after it is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was requested.
(sec.70-ssec.6) In this section— criminal history , for a person, means the person’s criminal history as defined under the Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986 , other than spent convictions.
(a) a written report about the criminal history of the person; and
(b) a brief description of the circumstances of a conviction mentioned in the criminal history.
sec.71
Annual budgets and financial management policies
sec.71 Annual budgets and financial management policies
Each year—
the authority must prepare a budget—
of estimated costs of the authority for the next financial year; and
consistent with the strategic priorities of the authority; and
the board members must approve the budget and the authority’s financial management policies; and
the authority must give the approved budget and financial management policies to the Minister.
The Minister must approve, or refuse to approve, the budget and financial management policies before the end of the financial year.
However, a failure by the Minister to act under subsection (2) does not prevent the Minister approving, or refusing to approve, a budget or financial management policy at a later time.
A budget or financial management policy has no effect until it has been approved by the Minister.
During a financial year, the authority may prepare amendments to the budget for that year.
An amendment to a budget has no effect until it has been approved by—
for a minor amendment—the chairperson in consultation with the other board members; or
otherwise—the Minister on the recommendation of the chairperson in consultation with the other board members.
If the chairperson and the other board members differ about what should be recommended to the Minister for an approval under this section, the Minister may still give the approval.
In this section—
financial management policies means the policies to be observed in financial and performance management by the authority.
Under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 , section 57 , the authority must comply with a provision of a financial and performance standard that applies to the authority as a statutory body.
minor amendment , of a budget, means an amendment of a minor nature that does not change the total of the estimated costs mentioned in the budget.
s 71 amd 2018 No. 27 s 104
(sec.71-ssec.1) Each year— the authority must prepare a budget— of estimated costs of the authority for the next financial year; and consistent with the strategic priorities of the authority; and the board members must approve the budget and the authority’s financial management policies; and the authority must give the approved budget and financial management policies to the Minister.
(sec.71-ssec.2) The Minister must approve, or refuse to approve, the budget and financial management policies before the end of the financial year.
(sec.71-ssec.3) However, a failure by the Minister to act under subsection (2) does not prevent the Minister approving, or refusing to approve, a budget or financial management policy at a later time.
(sec.71-ssec.4) A budget or financial management policy has no effect until it has been approved by the Minister.
(sec.71-ssec.5) During a financial year, the authority may prepare amendments to the budget for that year.
(sec.71-ssec.6) An amendment to a budget has no effect until it has been approved by— for a minor amendment—the chairperson in consultation with the other board members; or otherwise—the Minister on the recommendation of the chairperson in consultation with the other board members.
(sec.71-ssec.7) If the chairperson and the other board members differ about what should be recommended to the Minister for an approval under this section, the Minister may still give the approval.
(sec.71-ssec.8) In this section— financial management policies means the policies to be observed in financial and performance management by the authority. Under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 , section 57 , the authority must comply with a provision of a financial and performance standard that applies to the authority as a statutory body. minor amendment , of a budget, means an amendment of a minor nature that does not change the total of the estimated costs mentioned in the budget.
(a) the authority must prepare a budget— (i) of estimated costs of the authority for the next financial year; and (ii) consistent with the strategic priorities of the authority; and
(i) of estimated costs of the authority for the next financial year; and
(ii) consistent with the strategic priorities of the authority; and
(b) the board members must approve the budget and the authority’s financial management policies; and
(c) the authority must give the approved budget and financial management policies to the Minister.
(i) of estimated costs of the authority for the next financial year; and
(ii) consistent with the strategic priorities of the authority; and
(a) for a minor amendment—the chairperson in consultation with the other board members; or
(b) otherwise—the Minister on the recommendation of the chairperson in consultation with the other board members.
sec.72
Annual report
sec.72 Annual report
The authority must include in its annual report prepared under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 , section 63 —
details of the functions performed by the authority during the year; and
information about how efficiently and effectively the authority has performed its functions, including identifying key achievements and financial and non-financial performance; and
details of—
each direction given by the Minister under section 16 (1) during the financial year to which the report relates; and
action taken by the authority because of the direction.
The details mentioned in subsection (1) may include statistics.
The board must approve the report before it is given to the Minister.
The report must not be prepared in a way that discloses confidential information.
(sec.72-ssec.1) The authority must include in its annual report prepared under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 , section 63 — details of the functions performed by the authority during the year; and information about how efficiently and effectively the authority has performed its functions, including identifying key achievements and financial and non-financial performance; and details of— each direction given by the Minister under section 16 (1) during the financial year to which the report relates; and action taken by the authority because of the direction.
(sec.72-ssec.2) The details mentioned in subsection (1) may include statistics.
(sec.72-ssec.3) The board must approve the report before it is given to the Minister.
(sec.72-ssec.4) The report must not be prepared in a way that discloses confidential information.
(a) details of the functions performed by the authority during the year; and
(b) information about how efficiently and effectively the authority has performed its functions, including identifying key achievements and financial and non-financial performance; and
(c) details of— (i) each direction given by the Minister under section 16 (1) during the financial year to which the report relates; and (ii) action taken by the authority because of the direction.
(i) each direction given by the Minister under section 16 (1) during the financial year to which the report relates; and
(ii) action taken by the authority because of the direction.
(i) each direction given by the Minister under section 16 (1) during the financial year to which the report relates; and
(ii) action taken by the authority because of the direction.
sec.73
Delegations
sec.73 Delegations
The authority may delegate its functions under this Act to a board member or the chief executive officer.
The board may delegate its functions under this Act to a board member or the chief executive officer.
The chief executive officer may delegate any of the officer’s responsibilities to an appropriately qualified member of the authority’s staff.
A board member may subdelegate a function delegated to the board member under subsection (1) or (2) to the chief executive officer or an appropriately qualified member of the authority’s staff.
The chief executive officer may subdelegate a function delegated to the officer under subsection (1) or (2) to an appropriately qualified member of the authority’s staff.
In this section—
function includes power.
(sec.73-ssec.1) The authority may delegate its functions under this Act to a board member or the chief executive officer.
(sec.73-ssec.2) The board may delegate its functions under this Act to a board member or the chief executive officer.
(sec.73-ssec.3) The chief executive officer may delegate any of the officer’s responsibilities to an appropriately qualified member of the authority’s staff.
(sec.73-ssec.4) A board member may subdelegate a function delegated to the board member under subsection (1) or (2) to the chief executive officer or an appropriately qualified member of the authority’s staff.
(sec.73-ssec.5) The chief executive officer may subdelegate a function delegated to the officer under subsection (1) or (2) to an appropriately qualified member of the authority’s staff.
(sec.73-ssec.6) In this section— function includes power.
sec.74
Regulation-making power
sec.74 Regulation-making power
The Governor in Council may make regulations under this Act.
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
pt.1 Preliminary
Preliminary
pt.1-div.1 Introduction
Introduction
sec.1 Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Act 2016 .
sec.2 Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
However, if no day has been fixed by 1 July 2017, the Act commences on that day.
The Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 15DA does not apply to this Act.
(sec.2-ssec.1) This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
(sec.2-ssec.2) However, if no day has been fixed by 1 July 2017, the Act commences on that day.
(sec.2-ssec.3) The Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 15DA does not apply to this Act.
sec.3 Purpose
sec.3 Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to establish the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority—
to plan, carry out, promote or coordinate activities to facilitate economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA; and
to facilitate the efficient delivery of the cross river rail project and transport-related projects.
It is the intention of Parliament that the authority continue in existence only until the cross river rail project and any transport-related projects are completed.
(sec.3-ssec.1) The purpose of this Act is to establish the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority— to plan, carry out, promote or coordinate activities to facilitate economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA; and to facilitate the efficient delivery of the cross river rail project and transport-related projects.
(sec.3-ssec.2) It is the intention of Parliament that the authority continue in existence only until the cross river rail project and any transport-related projects are completed.
(a) to plan, carry out, promote or coordinate activities to facilitate economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA; and
(b) to facilitate the efficient delivery of the cross river rail project and transport-related projects.
sec.4 Act binds all persons
sec.4 Act binds all persons
This Act binds all persons, including the State.
However, the State can not be prosecuted for an offence against this Act.
(sec.4-ssec.1) This Act binds all persons, including the State.
(sec.4-ssec.2) However, the State can not be prosecuted for an offence against this Act.
pt.1-div.2 Interpretation
The Act defines key project scopes: the cross river rail project is tied to the Coordinator-General’s EIS report dated December 2012 and any change reports, and includes development in a declared cross river rail PDA and associated PDA development unless regulations exclude particular development (s 6). Transport-related projects must be prescribed by regulation and satisfy tests tying them to rail infrastructure provided or to be provided by the cross river rail project (s 7).
Other procedural, governance and accountability mechanics include board composition rules (permanent public-sector members plus up to six appointed members) (s 33), register of interests and disclosure obligations (s 40 and s 46), budget preparation and the Minister’s approval role (s 71), annual reporting content including publication of Ministerial directions (s 72), and offences and evidentiary rules (Pt 7, ss 62-68). The Act binds the State but prohibits prosecuting the State for offences under the Act (s 4).
The Act also cross-references and applies provisions of other statutes where relevant: Acquisition of Land Act 1967 (s 20(4)), Economic Development Act 2012 and Planning Act (ss 6, 12), Land Act 1994 (s 22), Valuers Registration Act 1992 (s 27), Queensland Heritage Act 1992 (s 69), and statutory financial and governance frameworks (s 11). Commencement is by proclamation, defaulting to 1 July 2017 if not proclaimed earlier; the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 s 15DA does not apply to commencement (s 2).
Parliament’s stated intention is that the authority continue only until the cross river rail project and any transport-related projects are completed (s 3(2)). The Act therefore combines a project-specific delivery authority structure, statutory land powers and commercial functions with public-sector governance and statutory accountability backstops.
Main concepts
The Act organises its mechanics around a small set of discrete concepts that drive powers, constraints and administrative obligations. Each concept is defined or used in structured ways.
Authority as State representative and commercial actor. The authority represents the State and "has the status, privileges and immunities of the State" (s 10). It is also a statutory body under financial legislation and must operate, to the extent practicable, as a commercial enterprise (s 11, s 13). The dual design sets up a public law status coupled with a commercial incentive structure.
Cross river rail project and transport‑related projects. The cross river rail project is defined by reference to external environmental assessment documents (Coordinator‑General’s EIS report December 2012 and any change reports) and, subject to regulation, includes development in a declared cross river rail priority development area (PDA) and PDA‑associated development (s 6). Transport‑related projects are those prescribed by regulation, located outside the cross river rail PDA or its associated land, and certified by the Minister (after consulting the Transport Minister) as relating to rail infrastructure provided by the cross river rail project (s 7). These definitions gate the authority’s land and delivery powers.
Cross river rail purposes. The authority’s power to deal in land is limited to "cross river rail purposes", which are enumerated in s 19: performing the authority’s functions, providing or improving facilities for users of infrastructure delivered by the project, addressing adverse environmental impacts arising from project delivery, and building or moving ancillary works, encroachments or public utility plant necessary for delivery. Those permitted purposes channel how land dealing is justified.
Land acquisition and compensation adjustments. The authority is a constructing authority for the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 when taking land under s 20(4); it may take easements and interests above or below the surface and leases of State land of less than freehold (s 20(2)). The Act departs from default compensation treatments by requiring that compensation assessments not have regard to works carried out after notices of intention to resume or resumption agreements are entered into, and must ignore changes in value relating to declaration of a cross river rail PDA under the Economic Development Act 2012 (s 24). The Minister can change the stated cross river rail purpose for land already taken, by gazette notice, effective from publication day (s 23).
Community service obligations and commercial mandate. The authority is required to be commercial "to the extent practicable" (s 13), but the Minister may direct it to perform community service obligations that are not commercially in its interest to perform; those obligations, and how they are funded, must be stated in the authority's operational plan and are conclusive between government and the authority (s 29). This sets an explicit mechanism for reconciling government policy directions with the authority's commercial obligations.
Ministerial control and transparency. The Minister may give written directions about performance of functions or exercise of powers (s 16(1)), subject to two constraints: directions must not be about the content of advice or recommendations (s 16(2)), and the authority must comply and publish the direction on its website (s 16(3)). Budgetary control is further exercised through Minister approval of annual budgets and financial management policies; budgets have no effect until approved (s 71).
Governance instruments. The board’s composition mixes permanent public sector board members (departmental chiefs or nominated senior executives) and up to six appointed members selected by Governor in Council on Ministerial recommendation (s 33). The board sets strategy, ensures efficiency and performance, approves budgets, and can delegate (ss 31-33, 73). The CEO is appointed by the board in consultation with the Minister and is accountable to the board for day-to-day administration (ss 49-50).
Accountability and compliance mechanisms. The authority is subject to statutory frameworks: Crime and Corruption Act 2001 (unit of public administration), Financial Accountability Act 2009 and Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (statutory body), with specific requirements for budgets, annual reporting and auditable operations (s 11, ss 71-72). Board members and the CEO are subject to pecuniary interest registers, disclosure rules and criminal history checks where consented (ss 40, 70). Offences for dishonest conduct and improper use of confidential information carry maximum penalties (ss 62, 64), and procedural evidentiary presumptions are set out for proceedings (ss 65-68).
Financial flows and fund management. A dedicated Cross River Rail Delivery Fund is established and administered by the authority; receipts include amounts from land dealings, borrowings and investments under the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982, retained amounts from delegated MEDQ functions as permitted, appropriations and Minister/Treasurer directed payments (s 60). Expenditure from the fund is allowed for authority expenses, administration costs and directed payments back to consolidated fund if required (s 61).
These concepts structure incentives: the authority is designed to monetise land and other assets to finance project delivery where feasible (s 14, s 19, s 25), but must also accommodate government-directed community service obligations and is constrained by budgetary and transparency requirements (ss 29, 16, 71-72). The land acquisition and compensation rules create specific valuation effects and timing windows that materially affect former owners and developers (ss 20, 24-27).
Who it affects
The Act creates duties, powers and processes that affect distinct groups. For each group the Act either prescribes obligations or confers powers.
State and government agencies. The Act expressly binds the State (s 4(1)) and gives the authority the status, privileges and immunities of the State (s 10). The authority is a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 and a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (s 11). Departments with chief executives named in the board composition (Auditor‑General Act, Financial Accountability Act, Rail Safety National Law (Queensland) Act 2017 and the department administering this Act) are required to provide permanent board members or may nominate senior executives (s 33). Government agencies are potential co‑contributors or funders of the project, and the authority may charge a government agency fees for services or facilities it supplies (s 14(1)(f)).
Landowners and occupiers. The authority may take land for cross river rail purposes (s 20). Owners of land taken are affected by the acquisition provisions and the modified compensation regime (s 24). Former owners are entitled to an offer to buy back land within seven years of acquisition if the land is no longer required, with a 28‑day response window (ss 26-27). Persons with State land leases or other less than freehold interests may be subject to notices of intention to resume and registrable entries (s 22).
Private sector contractors, developers and investors. The authority can enter contracts, engage consultants and contractors, procure goods and services, and sell or lease land taken (ss 14, 25). Developers operating in or near a declared cross river rail PDA or on PDA‑associated land are affected because the cross river rail project includes PDA development (s 6). Appointed board members, staff and contractors must comply with honesty, confidential information and conflict provisions (ss 62, 64, 56), and procurement or contracting decisions may be scrutinised by the board, Minister or auditors under statutory frameworks (ss 11, 71-72).
Local government and other external entities. The authority must consult relevant entities (including the Commonwealth and other States, or any entity it considers may be involved or affected) about funding, delivery, and development opportunities (s 12(4) and (5)). Local governments that own or manage land within PDAs or supply services are likely consultees and counterparties in infrastructure delivery, though the Act does not specify local government roles beyond being a relevant entity.
Board members, the chief executive officer and staff. The Act imposes governance and personal obligations. Board members (permanent and appointed) must keep and lodge pecuniary interest summaries and notify changes (s 40), disclose material personal interests at meetings (s 46) and meet disqualification criteria (s 35). Appointed members are selected by Governor in Council on Minister recommendation and hold office under this Act rather than under general public sector employment law (s 33). The CEO is appointed by the board in consultation with the Minister (s 49), is accountable to the board (s 50), may be disqualified on several grounds (s 51), must not take outside paid employment without the board’s prior written approval (s 55) and must disclose conflicts (s 56). Staff may be employed directly under this Act (s 57) or seconded from government agencies under alternative staffing arrangements (s 58).
Heritage stakeholders and owners of heritage places. The Act modifies how the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 applies to proposed development for the cross river rail project or a transport‑related project that affects a Queensland heritage place, treating the development as development proposed by the State for the purposes of s 71 of the Heritage Act and substituting the chief executive officer and the authority for relevant references (s 69). This changes procedural posture for heritage approvals and refocuses decision points.
Financial stakeholders and auditors. The authority administers a separate fund that does not form part of the consolidated fund (s 59), receives particular revenue streams (s 60) and must ensure payments and budgets follow statutory rules (s 61, s 71). Under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 the authority is subject to financial and performance standards (s 71(8) cross‑ref). The Treasurer and Minister retain direction over certain transfers (s 60(g), s 61(c)).
Persons providing criminal history or integrity information. The Minister may request criminal history reports about proposed board members or the CEO with the person’s written consent; the commissioner of the police service must comply within available information and the Minister must destroy reports when no longer required (s 70). Integrity processes under the Integrity Act 2009 are invoked via the requirement to provide summaries to the integrity commissioner (s 40(2)-(3)).
Who pays and who decides: the authority has both revenue‑raising powers via land dealings and borrowings (ss 60, 27) and receives funding appropriations (s 60(f)). The Minister and Treasurer retain oversight via budget approvals (s 71), directions (s 16) and control over certain fund transfers (s 61(c)). The board and CEO decide operational matters, procurement and staffing within the statutory constraints and delegation frameworks (ss 31, 50, 73).
Key duties and rights
This section summarises statutory duties, rights and powers allocated to the principal actors and the authority itself, with statutory references.
Authority (the body corporate)
Establishment and corporate status: established as a body corporate capable of suing and being sued (ss 8-9).
Representing the State: has status, privileges and immunities of the State (s 10).
Functions: to facilitate economic development in cross river rail PDAs and to facilitate efficient delivery of the cross river rail project and transport‑related projects; specific functions include planning, procurement facilitation, ensuring approvals, contracting, consulting, providing infrastructure, promoting the project and giving advice to the Minister and other relevant entities (s 12(1)-(4)).
Commercial duty: must, to the extent practicable, perform its functions as a commercial enterprise; community service obligations exempt the authority to the extent of those obligations (s 13).
Powers: broad, literally "all the powers of an individual", with examples (enter contracts, deal in land, appoint agents/attorneys, engage consultants, establish funds, charge government agencies fees) and catch‑all for anything necessary or convenient (s 14).
Geographic scope: may act inside or outside Queensland (s 15).
Land powers: may deal in land and other property for defined cross river rail purposes (s 19); may take land (s 20) including easements and sub‑surface interests and leases of State land less than freehold (s 20(2)); may dispose of, lease or sell land, including lands taken with the intention of later disposal (s 25); must follow former owner offer procedures where land is no longer required within 7 years (ss 26-27); must notify the registrar when taking/resuming interests in State land (s 22); may hold property obtained as security until it can be advantageously disposed of (s 28).
Fund administration: administer the Cross River Rail Delivery Fund and receive/pay amounts as specified (ss 59-61).
Board
Establishment and functions: board ensures proper, efficient and effective performance of the authority, decides objectives/strategies/policies, ensures compliance with strategic and operational plans, reports to the Minister and performs other statutory board functions (ss 30-31).
Powers: may do anything necessary to perform functions; may give written directions to the CEO about the performance of responsibilities; acts done by the board in the name of the authority are taken to have been done by the authority (s 32).
Composition: includes four permanent public sector chiefs (or nominated senior executives) and up to six appointed members (s 33). Appointed members are Governor in Council appointments on Minister recommendation, must possess relevant qualifications and may be full‑time or part‑time (s 33(4)-(7)). Chairperson and deputy are appointed by Governor in Council and have terms up to their board tenure (s 34).
Chief executive officer
Appointment and responsibilities: appointed by the board in consultation with the Minister; employee of the authority under this Act (s 49). Responsible for day‑to‑day administration, employing staff, arranging services of government agency staff, engaging contractors, acting in accordance with board policies/directions; accountable to the board (s 50).
Limitations: must not engage in outside paid employment or active business management without board written approval (s 55); must disclose conflicts and not act on conflicted matters without board authorisation (s 56).
Term and conditions: appointed for a term up to 5 years (s 52); remuneration determined by the board (s 53).
Staff and alternative staffing
Employment under this Act: staff are employed under the Act and not under the Public Sector Act 2022 (s 57).
Alternative staffing: with agreement of a government agency chief executive, the authority may obtain services of agency officers/employees; such persons remain employed by their agency and continue on their terms, but are taken to be authority staff for performance of the authority’s functions (s 58). No obligation for an agency to agree (s 58(3)).
Budget, reporting and accountability
Budget prepared annually consistent with strategic priorities and approved by the board; submitted to the Minister for approval; budget has no effect until Minister approval (s 71).
Annual report must include functions performed, efficiency and effectiveness information and details of each Ministerial direction under s 16 and consequent action (s 72).
Operational plan must state community service obligations directed by the Minister and agreed funding/adjustments; operational plan is conclusive between government and authority on CSO nature and compensation (s 29).
Ministerial directions and transparency
Minister may give a written direction about performance of functions or exercise of powers, but not regarding the content of advice or recommendations (s 16(1)-(2)).
Authority must comply with directions and publish them on its website (s 16(3)).
Offences and statutory duties
Duty to act honestly applies to board members, CEO, staff and contractors with a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units (s 62).
New convictions by appointed board members or CEO must be disclosed to the Minister immediately unless there is a reasonable excuse (s 63).
Use of confidential information: current and former board members, CEO, staff and contractors must not disclose confidential information obtained under the Act unless permitted (s 64). Maximum penalty 200 penalty units.
Evidentiary and procedural rights
Offences under the Act are summary offences with specified proceeding time limits (s 65).
Presumptions in proceedings for appointments and authority to act unless proof is required (s 66).
Certificates of the chairperson are admissible as evidence of administrative matters (s 68).
These duties and rights create a governance framework that balances commercial authority powers with statutory financial oversight, Ministerial control, and personal accountability for officeholders.
Penalties and enforcement
The Act sets out specific criminal and administrative enforcement mechanisms, penalty ceilings, and evidentiary presumptions intended to support compliance and facilitate prosecution or disciplinary action for breaches of the Act’s key obligations.
Criminal offences and penalties
Duty to act honestly: s 62 imposes a continuous obligation on board members, the CEO, authority staff and contractors to act honestly in performance of functions and exercise of powers under the Act. The statutory maximum penalty for contravention is 200 penalty units (s 62(2)). The Act does not define the quantum of a penalty unit in this text; penalty unit value is governed by general penalty unit legislation and so must be cross‑checked against that external statute when calculating monetary exposure.
Disclosure of convictions: s 63 requires an appointed board member or the CEO to immediately notify the Minister if convicted of an indictable offence during their appointment, unless they have a reasonable excuse; maximum penalty 100 penalty units (s 63(2)). The notice must include particulars: existence of conviction, when the offence was committed, details identifying the offence and sentence imposed (s 63(3)).
Confidential information: s 64 prohibits current and former board members, the CEO, staff and contractors from disclosing confidential information obtained under the Act, subject to specified exceptions (performance of Act functions, consent of the person to whom the information relates, or other legal requirements). The maximum penalty is 200 penalty units (s 64(2)).
Enforcement process and procedural rules
Summary offences: the Act classifies offences against the Act as summary offences (s 65(1)). Summary classification affects prosecutorial procedure, limitations and courts in which matters are heard.
Time limits for proceedings: s 65(2) prescribes the time limits for commencing proceedings , the longer of (a) one year after commission of the offence; or (b) six months after the offence comes to the complainant’s knowledge but within two years after commission. This sets a defined window for starting summary proceedings, which practitioners must observe when considering complaint timing.
Evidentiary presumptions: ss 66-68 provide evidentiary aids. Notably, appointments and the authority of office holders under the Act are presumed in proceedings unless a party, by reasonable notice, requires proof (s 66). Signatures purporting to be those of a board member or CEO are evidence of authenticity (s 67). Certificates of the chairperson certifying administrative facts (like whether a document is an appointment or a copy of an authority document) are admissible as evidence (s 68(1)). Statements in complaints as to when a matter came to a complainant’s knowledge are admissible as evidence (s 68(2)). These provisions generally ease proof for prosecution and administrative enforcement.
Administrative enforcement and auditability
Financial and governance oversight: because the authority is a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 (s 11), financial mismanagement or corrupt behaviour can trigger oversight, audit and investigation under those Acts. The authority must prepare budgets for Ministerial approval (s 71), keep and publish operational plans for CSOs (s 29), and include directions given by the Minister in its annual report (s 72). These statutory administrative requirements create non‑criminal enforcement levers through budget refusal, audit findings, and reporting obligations.
Ministerial directions and compliance: the Minister may give written directions about the performance of functions or exercise of powers (s 16). The authority must comply and publish directions (s 16(3)). Non‑compliance with lawful ministerial directions is actionable within the administrative framework; the Act does not itself specify a criminal penalty for failure to comply with a lawful direction, but compliance is mandatory and the board and CEO are accountable through reporting and governance mechanisms.
Limitations and special rules affecting enforcement
The Act binds the State (s 4(1)) but the State cannot be prosecuted for an offence under the Act (s 4(2)). This preserves prosecutorial limits against the State while leaving the authority and individuals prosecutable.
The Act specifies that it applies to persons including contractors and former officeholders for confidentiality and honesty obligations (ss 62, 64). Criminal exposures therefore can attach to a wide pool of stakeholders involved in project execution.
Practical enforcement implications
Practitioners advising officeholders should highlight the high maximum penalties (200 penalty units) for honesty and confidentiality failures and the specific disclosure obligation for new convictions (100 penalty units).
The combination of statutory presumptions (ss 66-68) and short limitation periods for summary proceedings (s 65) means evidence-gathering and prompt action are important for complainants and regulators.
Administrative enforcement options (budget approvals, operational plan content, and annual report requirements) create reputational and funding levers beyond criminal penalties that are likely to be more frequently invoked in governance challenges.
How it interacts with other laws
The Act expressly cross‑references and modifies the application of several other statutes. Those interactions determine how the authority operates in statutory space and how existing land, planning and financial regimes apply.
Acquisition of Land Act 1967
The authority is a constructing authority under the Acquisition of Land Act for taking land under s 20(4). The Acquisition of Land Act applies as if references to land include leases of State land or other less than freehold interests where the authority takes those interests (s 20(4)). However, the Act modifies the Acquisition of Land Act in particular ways:
Section 23(4) expressly provides that Acquisition of Land Act s 41 does not apply when the Minister changes the purpose of land already taken under s 20.
Section 24 affirms that, when assessing compensation under the Acquisition of Land Act, regard must not be had to works carried out after the giving of a notice of intention to resume or entering a resumption agreement, and must not have regard to valuation changes arising from the declaration of a cross river rail PDA under the Economic Development Act 2012. This operates despite Acquisition of Land Act s 20(2). These modifications narrow the valuation inputs available when calculating compensation for land taken under the Act.
Economic Development Act 2012 and Planning Act
The definition of cross river rail project and the reference to PDAs and PDA-associated development imports the Economic Development Act 2012 into scope (s 6). The authority must have regard to an interim land use plan or a development scheme for a cross river rail PDA when carrying out functions relating to the cross river rail project, and to any planning instrument that applies to land where transport-related project development is proposed (s 12(5)). The Act therefore inserts the authority into PDA planning regimes and requires coordination with planning instruments under the Planning Act.
Land Act 1994
Section 22 requires the authority to give notice in the "appropriate form" (as that term is defined in the Land Act 1994 schedule 6) to the registrar for notices of intention to resume or amendments involving lease or other interests in State land. The registrar under the Land Act is the chief executive of the department administering the Land Act (s 22(7)). The land registry reference is to the Land Act 1994, s 275 (s 22(7)). The Act therefore imposes specific registry and recording obligations on the authority when State land interests are affected.
Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 and Transport Planning and Coordination Act 1994
The Act references ancillary works and encroachments and public utility plant definitions as set out in the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 schedule 6 (s 19). It also includes easements such as a transport easement for support as defined under the Transport Planning and Coordination Act 1994, s 28AC(1) when specifying easement taking powers (s 20(8)). Transport-related projects must be prescribed by regulation and relate to rail transport infrastructure as defined in the Transport Infrastructure Act (s 7(2)). The Act therefore ties certain land and easement operations to transport legislation definitions.
Financial and governance statutes
The authority is expressly a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 and a statutory body under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (s 11). Part 2B of the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act sets out how that Act affects the authority’s powers (s 11(2)). The authority’s budgets, financial management policies and reporting are therefore subject to the standards and controls in those Acts (s 71 cross‑ref to Financial Accountability Act s 57).
Valuers Registration Act 1992
In deciding sale prices for land disposed to former owners (s 27), the authority must consider a valuation by a valuer registered under the Valuers Registration Act 1992 (s 27(5)(a)). This requirement marshals professional valuation standards into the authority’s disposal process.
Queensland Heritage Act 1992
Section 69 makes a targeted interaction: proposed development for the cross river rail project or a transport‑related project affecting a Queensland heritage place is taken to be development proposed to be carried out by the State for the purpose of Queensland Heritage Act s 71; the references to chief executive and Minister in s 71 of the Heritage Act are replaced by the chief executive officer and the authority respectively (s 69(2)-(3)). The Heritage Act’s procedural and substantive requirements therefore apply in a way tailored to a State‑driven project context for heritage matters.
Public Sector Act and Integrity frameworks
Appointments of appointed board members, the CEO and staff are made under this Act and not under the Public Sector Act 2022 (ss 33(7), 49(2), 57(2)). Board members must provide written summaries of pecuniary interests to the Minister and the integrity commissioner under the Integrity Act 2009 (s 40). The authority is therefore partly dis‑anchored from the Public Sector Act staffing regime but remains within integrity and corruption oversight frameworks.
Acts Interpretation Act 1954
Section 2(3) states that Acts Interpretation Act 1954 s 15DA does not apply to this Act. Section 15DA concerns automatic commencement provisions; the effect is the Act’s commencement is per s 2 and the prescribed default date provision is to be read without s 15DA applying.
The Act contemplates borrowings and investments under parts 5 and 6 of the SBFAA (s 60(b)-(c)), and provides that certain amounts arising from SBFAA borrowing/investment powers may be paid into the Cross River Rail Delivery Fund. Part 2B of the SBFAA determines the way that Act affects the authority’s powers (s 11(2)), so debt and investment activities are to be managed under statutory financial arrangements rules.
Taken together the Act modifies, adopts and coordinates across multiple statutory regimes. Practitioners must attend to the specific carve‑ins and carve‑outs: the authority is a constructing authority under the Acquisition of Land Act but s 24 limits valuation inputs for compensation; PDAs under the Economic Development Act feed into project scope; Heritage Act s 71 is applied to State‑type development via s 69; and financial and integrity regimes overlay the authority’s commercial and governance activities.
Amendment history
The Act text contains embedded amendment notes that identify several post‑enactment changes. The printed marginal notes within the provided text record the following amendments and relevant citation points:
Section 33 (Membership of board): annotated with amendments "s 33 amd 2018 No. 27 s 102; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3". The text indicates permanent board members and appointed board members and notes that appointed members are appointed under this Act and not under the Public Sector Act 2022. The 2018 and 2022 annotations signal changes to membership provisions or related apparatus recorded in those amending instruments.
Section 49 (Appointment of CEO): appears to have been amended, as shown by the marginal note "s 49 amd 2018 No. 27 s 103; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3". The section now clarifies the board’s role in appointment in consultation with the Minister and the distinction that the CEO is appointed under this Act, not the Public Sector Act 2022.
Section 57 (Authority staff): carries the marginal note "s 57 amd 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3", indicating that staff appointment provisions were amended in 2022, including clarifying that staff are appointed under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022.
Section 71 (Annual budgets and financial management policies): has the marginal note "s 71 amd 2018 No. 27 s 104", signalling an amendment in 2018 to budget and financial management provisions, possibly to reflect procedural requirements for Ministerial approvals and budget amendments.
Section 44 (Quorum at board meetings): displays a later amendment note "s 44 amd 2024 No. 2 s 4" which suggests the quorum provision or its textual treatment was amended in 2024.
The Act’s commencement provisions (s 2) include specific commencement mechanics: the Act commences on proclamation or, if no day fixed, on 1 July 2017; and it explicitly states that Acts Interpretation Act 1954 s 15DA does not apply to this Act (s 2(1)-(3)). These are not amendments but relevant to temporal operation.
The text does not include a full schedule of repeals, nor a consolidated annotated list of every amendment in the body beyond the in‑text marginal amendment notes mentioned above. The marginal notes provide pointers to the primary amending instruments (2018 No. 27; 2022 No. 34; 2024 No. 2). For precise amendment content, dates of assent, or the full amending instrument text, one must consult the official amending statutes referenced by those citations.
Because the Act includes provisions that are sensitive to external statutory frameworks (for example, references to the Public Sector Act 2022, Financial Accountability Act 2009, and the Integrity Act 2009), amendments to those external statutes may have consequential effects on operation despite not being textual amendments to this Act. The Act’s explicit statements that certain appointments and staff are made “under this Act and not the Public Sector Act 2022” (ss 33(7), 49(2), 57(2)) mean that future amendments to the Public Sector Act will not automatically alter the appointment mechanics here.
Practitioners should use the marginal amendment flags in the text as signposts to retrieve and review the amending instruments cited (2018 No. 27 s 102/103/104; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3; 2024 No. 2 s 4) for the precise legislative amendments and their commencement dates. The Act itself does not include a comprehensive amendment schedule within the provided excerpt beyond those marginal notations.
Litigation history
The Act text supplied contains no references to reported judicial decisions, challenges, or litigation concerning the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Act 2016. There are no cases named in the statute itself, and the Act does not carry internal references to any judicial interpretations.
Although the Act is silent on litigation history, its subject matter and the powers it confers identify several classes of disputes that, in statutory practice, commonly produce litigation or review. The Act’s own text indicates statutory interfaces and altered mechanisms that could be the source of contested matters:
Compulsory acquisition and compensation disputes. The authority’s power to take land (s 20), the special rules on additional land (s 21), the power to change the purpose for land taken (s 23), and the express restrictions on valuation inputs for compensation assessments (s 24) all create defined legal hooks for disputes under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 and associated compensation processes. Challenges could arise over whether the authority correctly followed Acquisition Act procedures, whether the "no regard" rules in s 24 were applied appropriately, or whether the power to change purpose under s 23 was lawfully exercised. The Act does not add judicial process details; remedies will be governed by the Acquisition of Land Act and general administrative law principles.
Administrative law challenges. Ministerial directions (s 16), board and CEO delegations (s 73), and approval or refusal of budgets (s 71) are regulatory acts susceptible to judicial review where there are allegations of jurisdictional error, procedural unfairness, or misuse of power. The Act expressly requires publication of Ministerial directions (s 16(3)), and the annual report must include directions and actions taken (s 72), which provides documentary traceability that is often material in review proceedings.
Heritage and planning disputes. Section 69’s adaptation of the Queensland Heritage Act 1992, s 71, applies the Heritage Act regime to project development treated as State activity. Disagreement about the application or sufficiency of heritage processes, the authority’s consultation duties (s 12(4)), or planning instrument compliance (s 12(5)) could generate disputes in planning or environment courts.
Contractual and procurement disputes. The authority is empowered to invite and evaluate proposals and enter and manage contractual arrangements (s 12(3)(a), (c)). Disagreements arising from procurement decisions, contract performance or termination could lead to commercial litigation. The Act does not prescribe bespoke procurement remedies; civil contractual litigation principles would apply.
The Act includes evidentiary provisions helpful to prosecutions and administrative enforcement (ss 66-68), but it does not describe a statutory dispute resolution regime beyond existing administrative, statutory, and common law avenues. Practitioners should therefore look to the Acquisition of Land Act 1967, Planning and Environment Court practice, contract law, and administrative law principles for the legal forum and remedies likely to govern any disputes connected to the authority’s activity.
Because the Act confers State status and immunities on the authority (s 10) and precludes prosecution of the State under the Act (s 4(2)), a litigation strategy against the authority may differ from litigation against private parties; remedies against the authority will be shaped by public law principles, statutory compensation regimes and the particular rights the Act preserves (for example, rights of compensation under acquisition provisions).
In short, the statute itself does not record a litigation history. The text does, however, specify the statutory points at which disputes are most likely to crystallise: land acquisition and compensation (ss 20-27, 24), Ministerial directions and budget approvals (ss 16, 71), planning and heritage applications (ss 12, 69), and procurement/contract performance (s 12(3), s 14). For any litigation or risk assessment work, the relevant external legislation (Acquisition of Land Act, Economic Development Act, Planning Act, Queensland Heritage Act, Financial Accountability frameworks) and contemporaneous administrative actions will determine actual litigation exposure.
Gotchas
This section flags technical features, statutory traps and implementation frictions embedded in the Act that can produce practical surprises for practitioners, landowners, contractors and administrators. Each gotcha is grounded in the statute’s text.
Authority has State status and immunities, while the State remains non‑prosecutable
The authority "represents the State" and "has the status, privileges and immunities of the State" (s 10). At the same time the Act binds the State but provides that the State cannot be prosecuted for an offence under the Act (s 4(1)-(2)). Practically, this means actions taken by the authority may enjoy public immunities and procedural differences compared with private actors. Remedies and enforcement options against the authority require attention to public law avenues rather than ordinary criminal prosecution against the State.
Acquisition powers are broad and extend beneath/above the surface and to easements without dominant tenements
Section 20(2) explicitly allows taking interests above or below the surface and taking easements, including easements not attached to or used with a dominant tenement, or easements that must not be used in common with others (s 20(3)). This is technically distinct from traditional easement doctrine where dominant tenements are typical, and might surprise landowners encountering unusual easement forms.
Land can be taken even if the authority does not yet know when it will be required
Section 20(6) expressly declares that land may be taken "even if, at the time the land is taken, it is not known when the land will be required for the purpose." That removes a timing constraint that might otherwise be argued; acquisition can be earlier than imminent need.
Compensation calculation exclusions materially affect former owners
Section 24 prohibits taking account of works carried out on the land after a notice of intention to resume or a resumption agreement, and prohibits accounting for changes in land value relating to declaration of a cross river rail PDA (including interim land use plans and development schemes). This can materially reduce compensation entitlement relative to market expectations when value changes arise from project designation or subsequent development activity. Practitioners advising landowners must highlight that post‑notice development and PDA‑related value changes are excluded from compensation valuation.
Minister can reclassify a taken parcel’s purpose by gazette notice with immediate effect
Section 23 allows the Minister to declare by gazette that land taken is required for another stated cross river rail purpose, effective from the gazette publication day. Acquisition of Land Act s 41 does not apply because of the change in purpose (s 23(4)). The change is not itself an acquisition and does not give rise to compensation (s 23(6)). This creates potential consequential planning and project delivery flexibility but can surprise owners and stakeholders as it alters the statutory purpose without fresh acquisition procedures.
Former owners’ buy‑back window is limited and conditional
The authority must offer land to the former owner if the land is no longer required and the authority intends to dispose of it within seven years after acquisition (s 26(1)-(2)). The former owner has 28 days to respond (s 26(3)(a)); failure to respond or a negative response allows the authority to dispose to another person (s 26(3)(b)). The authority may also take easements before offering the land (s 26(4)). Practitioners advising former owners should note the short response time, the effect of easements and the fact that the offer price is set by the authority taking account of a registered valuer and government asset management policies (s 27(5)).
Budget has no legal effect until Ministerial approval
The authority must prepare a budget consistent with strategic priorities, obtain board approval and give the approved budget to the Minister (s 71(1)). The Minister must approve or refuse the budget before the end of the financial year, but a failure to act does not prevent later approval (s 71(2)-(3)). Importantly, a budget or financial management policy has no effect until approved by the Minister (s 71(4)). For operational continuity, the authority must manage timing risk around Ministerial approvals.
Operational plan is conclusive on community service obligations
The operational plan must state community service obligations the Minister directed the authority to perform and the costings/funding arrangements agreed (s 29(1)). The operational plan is "conclusive, as between the government and the authority," on the nature and extent of the obligations and how the authority will be compensated (s 29(2)). This means that once recorded in the operational plan, the CSO and funding terms are binding between government and authority and are not subject to unilateral reinterpretation.
Appointments and staff are not governed by the Public Sector Act
The Act expressly provides that appointed board members, the CEO and authority staff are appointed under this Act and not under the Public Sector Act 2022 (ss 33(7), 49(2), 57(2)). This has employment law implications: standard public sector employment rules, redeployment obligations and disciplinary processes under the Public Sector Act may not apply. Practitioners must therefore check this Act and the terms set by the authority/board for employment conditions and termination processes.
Mandatory publication of Ministerial directions and conflicts of interest rules
The authority must publish any ministerial direction on its website (s 16(3)). Board members have detailed disclosure duties (registers, early summaries to Minister and integrity commissioner, 30‑day update obligations) and specific meeting disclosure and non‑participation rules for material personal interests (ss 40, 46). Failing to comply with disclosure obligations does not, by itself, invalidate decisions (s 46(7)) but it can attract enforcement consequences, oversight scrutiny and reputational damage.
Confidentiality obligations survive office
Section 64 applies to a person who is, or has been, a board member, CEO, staff member or contractor and prohibits disclosure of confidential information unless a permitted exception applies. The maximum penalty is 200 penalty units (s 64(2)), and the provision extends to former officeholders and contractors. Practitioners should counsel clients that confidentiality obligations continue beyond tenure.
Short limitation windows for summary offences
Offences under the Act are summary offences with relatively short time limits for commencing proceedings (s 65). Parties pursuing enforcement must act promptly to preserve complaint windows.
Delegation complexity
The authority, board and CEO have multiple layers of delegation and subdelegation (s 73). Delegation permits efficient administration but creates governance risk where accountabilities can become diffuse; documentation and careful oversight of delegation instruments are critical.
These statutory features create a landscape in which timing, formal notices, record‑keeping, publication, and interplay with land valuation and heritage frameworks materially affect outcomes. Advisers must read the specific provisions closely and reconcile them with external statutes referenced in the Act.
How to comply
This section provides a practical, source‑grounded checklist for compliance by the authority, board members, the CEO, staff, contractors, and affected third parties. Each item points to the statutory provision that creates the obligation.
Governance and board compliance
Board composition and appointment: ensure permanent board members (departmental chiefs or nominated senior executives) are in place and that up to six appointed members are appointed by Governor in Council on Minister recommendation with documented evidence that the Minister evaluated relevant qualifications or experience (s 33(1), (4)-(5)). Record instruments of appointment and terms.
Chair and deputy appointments, leave procedures and vacancy management: document appointments and handle absences or acting arrangements per s 34 and s 39. Ensure deputy acts as chair when required (s 34(6)).
Meetings, quorum and minutes: convene at least three board meetings a year and more if requested in writing by three board members or the Minister (s 42). Maintain minutes for all meetings (s 47). Ensure quorum is a majority of board members (s 44) and that voting rules, including casting vote for the presiding board member, are observed (s 45).
Register of interests and disclosure: maintain and update a register of each board member’s pecuniary interests, obtain written summaries from appointed members soon after appointment and from permanent members before acting, and require updates within 30 days of any substantial change; update the register at least annually during each member’s term (s 40(1)-(5)). At board meetings, ensure members declare material personal interests as soon as practicable and that minutes record disclosures (s 46(3), (6)). If a member discloses, ensure the majority of other board members vote to allow the member to participate further if desired; the conflicted member must not vote on the matter (s 46(4)-(5)).
CEO, staff and employment
CEO appointment and accountability: the board must appoint the CEO in consultation with the Minister and document the CEO’s terms and conditions consistent with the Act (s 49(1)-(2), s 52-53). The CEO must act according to board policies and directions and be accountable to the board (s 50(2)-(3)).
Conflicts, outside employment and integrity: obtain written conflicts disclosures from the CEO and require board approval for any outside paid employment or active participation in private business (s 55-56). Ensure staff and contractors are advised of the duty to act honestly and confidentiality obligations that carry maximum penalties (ss 62, 64).
Employment and secondments: if using alternative staffing arrangements, ensure formal agreement with the agency chief executive, that seconded officers remain employed on their original terms and that secondments are documented (s 58).
Financial compliance and reporting
Budget preparation and Ministerial approval: prepare an annual budget consistent with strategic priorities, obtain board approval, and submit the budget and financial management policies to the Minister for approval. Do not treat a budget or policy as operative until Minister approval is received (s 71(1)-(4)). For minor in‑year amendments, use the chair in consultation with other board members; for major amendments seek Minister approval per s 71(6).
Operational plan and community service obligations: document CSOs in the operational plan for each financial year, including costings and funding arrangements agreed with the Minister. Treat the operational plan as conclusive between government and authority for CSO scope and compensation (s 29).
Fund administration: maintain the Cross River Rail Delivery Fund per ss 59-61. Record all receipts specified in s 60 and ensure payments from the fund are limited to enumerated purposes (s 61). When required by the Minister and Treasurer, pay specified amounts into the consolidated fund (s 61(c)).
Land acquisition and disposal procedures
Pre‑acquisition steps and notices for State land: when issuing or amending notices of intention to resume a lease of State land or other less than freehold interest, give notice to the registrar in the appropriate form under the Land Act 1994; ensure the registrar records the notice in the land registry and, if the interest is taken or resumed discontinued, provide the registrar the appropriate form to remove particulars (s 22(2)-(6)). Keep forms and filing evidence.
Taking land and easements: where land is to be taken under s 20, ensure the acquisition instrument identifies land in any way sufficient to identify it and records vesting in the authority (s 20(5)). For easements, be mindful that the authority may take easements not attached to a dominant tenement (s 20(3)) and may take sub‑surface interests (s 20(2)). Ensure Acquisition of Land Act processes are followed, noting that section 20(4) ties the authority as a constructing authority to that Act.
Changing purpose: if the Minister intends to change the stated cross river rail purpose for land already taken, follow gazette notice procedures and record the declaration date (s 23). Remember s 23 affects Acquisition of Land Act s 41.
Compensation considerations: when assessing compensation under the Acquisition of Land Act for land taken under this division, ensure valuers and internal assessors exclude works carried out after notices of intention to resume or after resumption agreements and exclude value changes arising from PDA declaration and related interim plans or development schemes (s 24).
Former owner offer process when disposing within 7 years: if land is no longer required and the authority intends to dispose of it within seven years of acquisition, serve notice to the former owner offering the opportunity to purchase; include the 28‑day response window and, if an easement was taken, provide its nature and terms (s 26(2)-(3)). If the former owner indicates interest, issue a sale offer at a price decided by the authority and with proper consideration of registered valuation and government asset policies (s 27(2), (5)). Document compliance with offer obligations because the Act allows sale even if prior steps were defective but protects subsequent titles (s 27(6)-(7)).
Procurement, contracts and project delivery
Procurement planning and tender evaluation: follow the authority’s internal policies and board direction when inviting and evaluating proposals (s 12(3)(a)). Maintain transparent procurement records and ensure that contracts and funding agreements are managed to ensure performance as required by s 12(3)(c).
Delegations: document delegation instruments when delegating functions to board members, the CEO or staff; maintain records of subdelegations and ensure persons holding subdelegated functions are appropriately qualified (s 73). Periodically review delegation arrangements and record the basis and scope of delegations.
Ministerial directions and transparency
Directions handling: once a written direction is given by the Minister under s 16(1), publish the direction on the authority’s website and implement it, ensuring it does not encroach on the content of the authority’s advice (s 16(2)-(3)). Include directions and resulting actions in the annual report per s 72.
Integrity, criminal history checks and confidentiality
Criminal history reports and consent: before making disqualification decisions, the Minister may request criminal history reports from the police commissioner only with the written consent of the individual; ensure consent forms, requests and secure handling/destruction of reports are documented per s 70(1)-(5).
Confidentiality and records management: implement strict records handling policies to protect confidential information obtained under the Act; verify that disclosures fall within permitted exceptions (s 64), and apply retention and destruction rules consistent with legislative requirements.
Operational compliance and ancillary matters
Heritage processes: when the project affects Queensland heritage places, treat the development as State development for the purposes of Heritage Act s 71 and follow the procedural steps substituted in s 69; involve the chief executive officer and authority in the substituted roles as provided (s 69(3)).
Evidence and documentation for proceedings: understand that s 66 presumes appointments and authority to act unless proof is required; signatures and chairperson certificates have evidentiary weight (ss 67-68). Maintain accurate administrative records that can be certified by the chairperson when needed.
Checklist summary (practical actions)
Maintain appointing instruments and register of interests for board members and CEO (s 33, s 40).
Convene required meetings, keep minutes and comply with meeting/quorum rules (ss 42-47).
Prepare and submit annual budgets and financial policies for Ministerial approval on schedule (s 71).
Publish ministerial directions and include them in the annual report (ss 16, 72).
Follow Acquisition of Land Act processes where land is taken and observe the special valuation exclusions in s 24; provide registrar notices for State land resumption steps (ss 20, 22, 24).
If disposing land within seven years, send proper notices to former owners with 28‑day response timelines (ss 26-27).
Ensure procurement and contracting comply with board directions and documented evaluations (s 12).
Manage staff appointments and alternative staffing arrangements in writing (ss 57-58).
Institute confidentiality policies and training for staff and contractors and enforce honesty duties (ss 62, 64).
Use professional, registered valuers where required when setting prices (s 27(5)(a)).
Keep evidentiary records and delegated authority instruments to support administrative and judicial review exposures (ss 66-68, 73).
Complying with the Act requires an operational emphasis on timely documentation, Ministerial and board approvals, public transparency for ministerial directions, precise handling of land acquisition and disposal mechanics, and strong register/ disclosure systems for governance integrity.
The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular words used in this Act.
sec.6 Meaning of cross river rail project
sec.6 Meaning of cross river rail project
The cross river rail project is the project known as the cross river rail project described in—
the Coordinator-General’s report for the environmental impact statement for the project, dated December 2012, under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 ; and
any Coordinator-General’s change report for the project under that Act.
The cross river rail project also includes the carrying out of—
development, other than development prescribed by regulation, in a cross river rail PDA; and
PDA-associated development, other than PDA-associated development prescribed by regulation, for a cross river rail PDA.
In this section—
PDA-associated development see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 .
(sec.6-ssec.1) The cross river rail project is the project known as the cross river rail project described in— the Coordinator-General’s report for the environmental impact statement for the project, dated December 2012, under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 ; and any Coordinator-General’s change report for the project under that Act.
(sec.6-ssec.2) The cross river rail project also includes the carrying out of— development, other than development prescribed by regulation, in a cross river rail PDA; and PDA-associated development, other than PDA-associated development prescribed by regulation, for a cross river rail PDA.
(sec.6-ssec.3) In this section— PDA-associated development see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 .
(a) the Coordinator-General’s report for the environmental impact statement for the project, dated December 2012, under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 ; and
(b) any Coordinator-General’s change report for the project under that Act.
(a) development, other than development prescribed by regulation, in a cross river rail PDA; and
(b) PDA-associated development, other than PDA-associated development prescribed by regulation, for a cross river rail PDA.
sec.7 Meaning of transport-related project
sec.7 Meaning of transport-related project
A transport-related project is a project prescribed by regulation—
that involves providing transport infrastructure in South East Queensland, other than on land that is—
in a cross river rail PDA; or
PDA-associated land for a cross river rail PDA; and
that the Minister, after consulting the Transport Minister, is satisfied relates to the operation of rail transport infrastructure provided, or to be provided, as a result of the cross river rail project.
In this section—
PDA-associated land , for a priority development area, see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 .
rail transport infrastructure see the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , schedule 6 .
Transport Minister means the Minister administering the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 .
(sec.7-ssec.1) A transport-related project is a project prescribed by regulation— that involves providing transport infrastructure in South East Queensland, other than on land that is— in a cross river rail PDA; or PDA-associated land for a cross river rail PDA; and that the Minister, after consulting the Transport Minister, is satisfied relates to the operation of rail transport infrastructure provided, or to be provided, as a result of the cross river rail project.
(sec.7-ssec.2) In this section— PDA-associated land , for a priority development area, see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 . rail transport infrastructure see the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 , schedule 6 . Transport Minister means the Minister administering the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 .
(a) that involves providing transport infrastructure in South East Queensland, other than on land that is— (i) in a cross river rail PDA; or (ii) PDA-associated land for a cross river rail PDA; and
(i) in a cross river rail PDA; or
(ii) PDA-associated land for a cross river rail PDA; and
(b) that the Minister, after consulting the Transport Minister, is satisfied relates to the operation of rail transport infrastructure provided, or to be provided, as a result of the cross river rail project.
(i) in a cross river rail PDA; or
(ii) PDA-associated land for a cross river rail PDA; and
pt.2 Cross River Rail Delivery Authority
Cross River Rail Delivery Authority
pt.2-div.1 Establishment
Establishment
sec.8 Establishment
sec.8 Establishment
The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (the authority ) is established.
sec.9 Legal status
sec.9 Legal status
The authority—
is a body corporate; and
may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(a) is a body corporate; and
(b) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
sec.10 Authority represents the State
sec.10 Authority represents the State
The authority represents the State.
Without limiting subsection (1) , the authority has the status, privileges and immunities of the State.
(sec.10-ssec.1) The authority represents the State.
(sec.10-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , the authority has the status, privileges and immunities of the State.
sec.11 Application of other Acts
sec.11 Application of other Acts
The authority is—
a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 ; and
a statutory body under—
the Financial Accountability Act 2009 ; and
the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 .
The Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , part 2B sets out the way that Act affects the authority’s powers.
(sec.11-ssec.1) The authority is— a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 ; and a statutory body under— the Financial Accountability Act 2009 ; and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 .
(sec.11-ssec.2) The Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 , part 2B sets out the way that Act affects the authority’s powers.
(a) a unit of public administration under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 ; and
(b) a statutory body under— (i) the Financial Accountability Act 2009 ; and (ii) the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 .
(i) the Financial Accountability Act 2009 ; and
(ii) the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 .
(i) the Financial Accountability Act 2009 ; and
(ii) the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 .
pt.2-div.2 Functions and powers
Functions and powers
sec.12 Functions
sec.12 Functions
The authority’s main functions are—
to plan, carry out, promote or coordinate activities to facilitate economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA; and
to facilitate the efficient delivery of the cross river rail project and transport-related projects.
Without limiting subsection (1) (a) , the authority has the following functions—
to identify opportunities and options for facilitating economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA;
to identify, and consult with relevant entities about, options for funding development mentioned in paragraph (a) ;
to give advice and recommendations about a matter mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) to—
the Minister; and
if appropriate, a relevant entity.
Without limiting subsection (1) (b) , the authority has the following functions in relation to the cross river rail project or a transport-related project—
to carry out planning for the project, including—
inviting and evaluating proposals for the delivery of the project; and
facilitating the procurement and supply of infrastructure and services for the project;
to ensure that any approvals or authorities required for the project under other laws are obtained;
to enter into and manage contractual and other arrangements for the delivery of the project, including, for example—
negotiating and entering into agreements about funding for the project; and
ensuring contracts and agreements are performed in accordance with their terms;
to consult, or facilitate consultation, with relevant entities about funding and delivery of the project;
to provide, ensure the provision of, or manage infrastructure and other services and facilities for, or relating to, the project;
to promote the project through, for example, advertising and encouraging investment;
to give advice and recommendations about options for funding and delivering the project to—
the Minister; and
if appropriate, a relevant entity.
In carrying out its functions under this section, the authority must have regard to—
for a function relating to the cross river rail project—an interim land use plan or a development scheme for a cross river rail PDA; or
for a function relating to a transport-related project—any planning instrument that applies to the land on which development for the project is proposed to be carried out.
The authority also has—
the functions given to it under this Act or another Act; and
any other function, relating to its main functions under subsection (1) , prescribed by regulation.
In this section—
development scheme , for a priority development area, see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 .
interim land use plan , for a priority development area, see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 .
planning instrument means—
a development scheme for a priority development area; or
a planning instrument under the Planning Act .
relevant entity means—
the Commonwealth; or
another State; or
any other entity the authority considers is, or may be, involved in or affected by—
the cross river rail project; or
a transport-related project.
(sec.12-ssec.1) The authority’s main functions are— to plan, carry out, promote or coordinate activities to facilitate economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA; and to facilitate the efficient delivery of the cross river rail project and transport-related projects.
(sec.12-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) (a) , the authority has the following functions— to identify opportunities and options for facilitating economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA; to identify, and consult with relevant entities about, options for funding development mentioned in paragraph (a) ; to give advice and recommendations about a matter mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) to— the Minister; and if appropriate, a relevant entity.
(sec.12-ssec.3) Without limiting subsection (1) (b) , the authority has the following functions in relation to the cross river rail project or a transport-related project— to carry out planning for the project, including— inviting and evaluating proposals for the delivery of the project; and facilitating the procurement and supply of infrastructure and services for the project; to ensure that any approvals or authorities required for the project under other laws are obtained; to enter into and manage contractual and other arrangements for the delivery of the project, including, for example— negotiating and entering into agreements about funding for the project; and ensuring contracts and agreements are performed in accordance with their terms; to consult, or facilitate consultation, with relevant entities about funding and delivery of the project; to provide, ensure the provision of, or manage infrastructure and other services and facilities for, or relating to, the project; to promote the project through, for example, advertising and encouraging investment; to give advice and recommendations about options for funding and delivering the project to— the Minister; and if appropriate, a relevant entity.
(sec.12-ssec.4) In carrying out its functions under this section, the authority must have regard to— for a function relating to the cross river rail project—an interim land use plan or a development scheme for a cross river rail PDA; or for a function relating to a transport-related project—any planning instrument that applies to the land on which development for the project is proposed to be carried out.
(sec.12-ssec.5) The authority also has— the functions given to it under this Act or another Act; and any other function, relating to its main functions under subsection (1) , prescribed by regulation.
(sec.12-ssec.6) In this section— development scheme , for a priority development area, see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 . interim land use plan , for a priority development area, see the Economic Development Act 2012 , schedule 1 . planning instrument means— a development scheme for a priority development area; or a planning instrument under the Planning Act . relevant entity means— the Commonwealth; or another State; or any other entity the authority considers is, or may be, involved in or affected by— the cross river rail project; or a transport-related project.
(a) to plan, carry out, promote or coordinate activities to facilitate economic development, and development for community purposes, in a cross river rail PDA; and
(b) to facilitate the efficient delivery of the cross river rail project and transport-related projects.
(a) to identify opportunities and options for facilitating economic development, and development for commun
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