State Transport (People Movers) Act 1989

What is this law about?

This Queensland law regulates "people mover systems" — think of elevated or overhead passenger transport systems (like a monorail or cable car) that travel over public land or water using a fixed structure. It does not cover railways, escalators, or moving walkways.

Who does it affect?

In practice, this law is now extremely narrow in scope. A 2003 amendment effectively froze the Act — it now only applies to systems that were already operating under a licence before that amendment. No new people mover systems can be approved, built, or licensed under this law anymore. New systems would be dealt with under other planning laws.

What does the law do for existing licensed systems?

For the small number of grandfathered (pre-existing) systems still covered:

• Licensing: Operators must hold a valid licence from the chief executive (the head government official responsible for transport). Licences last up to 25 years (or longer if the Governor in Council — essentially Cabinet — approves), and can be renewed but no brand new licences can be issued.
• Licence conditions: Licences can set rules about fares, timetables, vehicle types, safety, records, and fees.
• Safety oversight: Operators must keep systems structurally sound and safe. Government officers can inspect systems, order repairs, and shut them down if unsafe.