Supplementary Submission To Senate Standing Committee on Inquiry into the Management of the Murray–Darling Basin

August 2011

DAFF Supplementary Submission to Senate Inquiry:

–  Inquiry into management of the Murray Darling Basin

-  Impact of mining coal seam gas
Introduction

The demand for liquefied natural gas for export and energy production in Australia

has seen significant exploration and development of coal seam gas in Queensland and

New South Wales. Coal seam gas projects have the potential to generate positive

economic benefits for the Australian and state economies via large export markets and

foreign investment in the industry.

Export earnings from Australia’s mineral resources sector are projected to increase significantly over the short to medium term (ABARES, 2011).

The mineral resources boom in Australia has important implications for the

agricultural sector. Community concern regarding the potential alienation and loss of

agricultural land for mining purposes is an issue that has recently risen in prominence.

Concerns that mining activities, such as coal seam gas extraction, will negatively

affect groundwater levels, groundwater pressures and water quality are also gaining

momentum.

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