A new guideline has been released to help facilitate the transfer of infrastructure from petroleum activities like bores, access tracks, small dams, fences and sheds to landholders.
The Department of Environment and Science has acknowledged and thanked the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA), AgForce and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) for working with the department to help ensure that the process for transferring infrastructure and subsequent guidance material meets the needs of industry, landowners and the department. Thanks also goes to the Queensland Resources Council for their contributions.
The process is part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to work in partnership with industry to keep the economy moving through COVID-19 recovery.
The department recognises the value of certain petroleum and gas infrastructure, particularly for agriculture, and that landholders could significantly benefit from having access to these assets.
As part of any transfer, the operator will need to ensure that the infrastructure is safe, stable and doesn’t cause environmental harm.
The types of infrastructure that can be transferred include items commonly constructed on farm land such as bores, access tracks, hardstand areas, pipes and pumps for irrigation, fences and sheds. Water storage dams are also included but require specific consideration. These types of infrastructure have an ongoing value to landholders.
To transfer petroleum infrastructure, the petroleum operator and landholder will need to come to an agreement in writing. Depending on the infrastructure they wish to transfer, the operator may need an approval from the department to amend their licence. A new guideline has been produced to assist petroleum operators with this process.
A factsheet to inform landholders of their options and provide guidance has also been published.
The new guideline and accompanying fact sheet for transferring petroleum infrastructure to landholders are available here: https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/management/activities/non-mining/community-landholder/transfer-infrastructure.