New copper theft laws passed after years of Council advocacy

Key points

• New laws targeting scrap metal and copper theft have passed in Queensland, a win for City of Moreton Bay after years of advocacy. Mayor Peter Flannery said the laws will help protect sporting clubs, parks and public spaces from losing lighting.
• Under the Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, penalties for metal theft will increase. Two new offences cover attempted metal theft and possession of a metal item reasonably suspected of being stolen.
• All scrap metal transactions will be recorded in a transaction register.