Queensland is rich in agricultural and mineral resources. At times, this creates coexistence challenges for all stakeholders as we manage and balance the interaction between these critical industries.
QFF continues to pursue, develop and support planning policies that protect Queensland’s agricultural resources, specifically high-value agricultural land which is irreplaceable and valuable water resources essential for sustainable production.
QFF advocates and proposes policy direction to government to ensure that farming communities are treated equitably as major resources projects are developed. These key areas are:
- Land access
- The protection of critical farming assets from interference by tenure holders
- Appropriate make-good requirements or compensation where required
The need for comprehensive planning and policies has accelerated in recent years in line with the increase in mining and gas activity.
Useful links for farmers
Coal Seam Gas
If you have any enquiries, concerns or require assistance relating to CSG issues on your land or community, please contact the Queensland Government’s CSG Compliance Unit.
The CSG Compliance Unit is part of the Department of Environmental and Heritage Protection and comprises of groundwater experts and staff working across environment and land access issues. The unit coordinates and progresses complaints relating to the CSG industry and is responsible for the coordination and delivery of the CSG engagement and compliance plan.
Phone: +61 7 4529 1500
Email: csg.enquiries@dnrm.qld.gov.au
CSG Compliance Unit website HERE.
GasFields Commission Queensland
The GasFields Commission Queensland is an independent statutory body formed to manage and improve sustainable coexistence among rural landholders, regional communities and the onshore gas industry. GasFields Commission Queensland was established on 1 July 2013 as an independent statutory body and the Commission’s powers and functions are set out in the Gasfields Commission Act 2013. These include:
- Reviewing the effectiveness of legislation and regulation
- Obtaining and publishing factual information
- Identifying and advising on coexistence issues
- Convening parties for the purpose of resolving issues
- Promoting scientific research to address knowledge gaps
- Making recommendations to government and industry
GasFields Commission Queensland website HERE.
Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development (IESC)
The Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development (IESC) provides advice to the Environment Minister about priorities for research projects to improve scientific understanding of the impacts of coal seam gas developments and large coal mining developments on water resources, including any impacts of associated salt production and/or salinity.
One function of the IESC under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is to identify research priorities which may inform research institutions, research funding bodies, government science agencies and industry in developing research plans and priorities. In 2013 the IESC identified priorities for research projects under four broad themes: Hydrology, Ecology, Chemicals and Cumulative Impacts
More detail and IESC website HERE.
Land Access Ombudsman
The Land Access Ombudsman provides a free, fair and independent dispute resolution service for landholders and resource companies.
The Ombudsman investigates breaches of Conduct and Compensation Agreements (CCAs) and Make Good Agreements (MGAs), and provides advice and recommendations, offering a range of alternative dispute resolution options to give parties the opportunity to work through issues and achieve effective outcomes without going to court.
Phone: 1800 717 550
Email: enquiries@lao.org.au
Land Access Ombudsman website HERE.