THERE is a mammoth job ahead of the new Queensland Gasfields Commission and the State Government if they are to meet the targets of restoring balance to coal seam gas expansion, and ensuring the best outcomes for regional communities as new projects race ahead.
The Commission, announced less than one week ago and with well-respected agri-political identity John Cotter at its helm, has been tasked with collecting community feedback and striking the right balance in the interests of landholders, community groups and the environment.
It is very positive sign from the Newman Government that it has worked so quickly to fulfil its election commitment of establishing this commission, although the coming weeks and months of the Gas Commission’s infancy will be the real test to see if it can bring about a much more positive framework for the CSG industry.
QFF sees that initially the Commission’s top three primary roles are clear. It must facilitate open communication for all stakeholders, it must take a strong role and have oversight of the process for negotiating land access agreements to ensure they are conducted fairly and appropriately, and it must step into role of understanding the risks, hazards, responses and in some cases opportunities associated with groundwater management.
The Government must also give the commission legislative firepower to ensure it can do its job effectively, which includes mechanisms for enforcing the correct procedures and policy.
Queensland Farmers Federation
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