Ann: Agreements signed to fast track Townsville Battery Plant, page-59

There seems to be some confusion about how a state government does its job. First off they are not there to rubber stamp some random people putting forward a 'what if?' Just because some dudes come up with an idea does not mean they throw money at it. Secondly they have a duty of care to the tax payer to make sure any study is independent. So in answer to your question, yes it makes sense for the various agencies to ensure the study does NOT get influenced by the interested party. So it will be done by others and the money to fund it will not go to MNS or IM3. And it will consider other ideas (put forward by other 'dudes').