The Queensland Government has begun public consultation on the establishment of an environmental protection agency in the state.

The aim of the consultation is to understand the views and needs of the community and stakeholders about the future of environmental regulation in Queensland.

Queensland is the only state in Australia without an external independent Environmental Protection Agency.

The agency will be responsible for environmental protection and regulation.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said this is part of the government’s commitment to protect the environment, provide greater investment certainty and support economic recovery.

Queenslanders are being encouraged to voice their opinion by completing a survey.

“We want to hear from Queenslanders about what they think when it comes to an environmental protection agency,” Ms Scanlon said in a statement.

The survey has eight questions and will take around five minutes to complete, according to Ms Scanlon.

“The survey is quick and easy and open to all Queenslanders who have a view on environmental protection. Submissions will be used to inform future decisions around a potential independent EPA.

This is part of a broader program of consultation that the Queensland Department of Environment and Science is conducting between November 2021 and March 2022.

Consultation will close on February 6.