The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has welcomed the state government’s announcement to revamp and refocus the Gasfields Commission following the release of the Scott Review.
QFF President Stuart Armitage stated that as one of 80 stakeholder groups that made a submission to the Scott Review, QFF was optimistic there would be a considered and renewed approach to the operation of the Commission going forward.
The refocused Commission charter will:
- reduce to one chair and three part-time commissioners
- improve the information that is available to landholders
- set up a community reference group to focus on health and wellbeing concerns for residents and their families in areas such as the Tara Estates
- work with the various agencies in the CSG industry to clarify their responsibilities and how they respond to inquiries and complaints.
“For many farmers and those within the agricultural sector, the previous Gasfields Commission failed to live up to its intended mandate to act as proactive facilitator at the interface between landholders and the coal seam gas industry.”
“QFF commends the government for making the changes required to refocus the Commission, enabling it to better deliver upon community and industry expectations.”
Former QFF interim CEO Ruth Wade has been appointed Chair and will now head the Commission.
“QFF welcomes the appointment of Ruth Wade as Chair of the new look Commission as she brings over 25 years of experience in agriculture, business and dispute resolution.”
“Having worked professionally with Ruth in her previous role as interim QFF CEO, I am confident she will competently lead the Commission in a balanced way to ensure it works more effectively to realise the new charter.”
“QFF also welcomes the reappointment of current commissioners Ian Hayllor and Rick Wilkinson, and the new appointment of Theodore cotton farmer Fleur Anderson.”
“QFF thanks outgoing Gasfields Commission chairman John Cotter and the other commissioners for their hard work establishing the Commission during a contentious time for many farmers with the newly emerging coal seam gas industry.”
The announcement that the government would establish a new Land Access Ombudsman is welcomed. The Ombudsman will give landholders a trusted and independent decision maker to resolve issues before they escalate into often time consuming and costly legal disputes.
“QFF looks forward to working further with the government to finalise the details as to how the Ombudsman will work in practice and the resourcing required to ensure it is effective,” said Mr. Armitage.
“QFF will continue to work on behalf of its members to hold the Commission to account on its renewed charter and it acting independently to deliver positive outcomes for industry and the community.”
Gasfeilds Commission Review details can be found HERE.