With the decision on Glencore’s proposed carbon capture and storage (CCS) project for the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) imminent, the agriculture sector, councils and conservationists remain united in their opposition to CCS in the GAB.
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and the Queensland Conservation Council are calling for the Premier to take action and implement protections for the Queensland component of the GAB from current and future CCS project bids as soon as the much anticipated decision on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is made.
QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said the Queensland Government needs to immediately put in place regulations to protect the Queensland component of the GAB from future CCS bids.
“In the absence of federal policy, the Queensland Government can and must take a leadership role to respond to the people of Queensland and ensure the GAB is protected for generations to come,” Ms Sheppard said.
“The GAB is one of the largest underground freshwater resources in the world. It generates approximately $13 billion in value to the national economy every year and is a vital resource for 180,000 people, 7,600 businesses and 120 towns.
“This natural resource is not only heavily relied upon by agriculture but is also the lifeblood of multiple industries and rural communities.
“The biodiversity supported by the GAB is incredible and the environmental value of this natural asset immeasurable.”
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said it had been heartening to hear the Premier’s comments earlier this month when he spoke of his reservations on the project.
Queensland Conservation Council Director Dave Copeman said the Great Artesian Basin is vital for the ecology and communities of regional Queensland.
“The Basin is one of the largest groundwater systems in the world and permanently refreshes and feeds most of the rivers of inland Australia,” Mr Copeman said.
“We shouldn’t be risking these life-giving water sources for Glencore’s to keep mining coal.”
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Media contact:
Anna Jones
Corporate Partnerships and Communications Manager, QFF
E: partnerships@qff.org.au
M: 0481 395 623