The Queensland farmers’ Federation (QFF) has welcomed the state government’s budget commitment of $7 million over two years to fund the ongoing operations of the Coal Seam Gas (CSG) compliance Unit.
QFF President Stuart Armitage welcomed the government’s budget commitment and thanked Minister Lynham for continuing to listen to the concerns of land holders.
The state government is investing $7 million to support the specialist Coal Seam Gas Compliance Unit which acts as a one-stop shop for community and landholder enquiries, concerns and assistance relating to CSG issues.
The CSG Compliance Unit is a key part of government’s responsible management of the CSG industry, comprising groundwater experts and staff skilled in environment and land access issues.
“The agricultural and CSG-LNG industries are both significant contributors to Queensland’s economy and it is essential that they co-exist and treat each other with mutual respect,” said Mr. Armitage
“Queensland’s intensive agricultural industries will continue work constructively with the CSG industry.”
“It is essential that there are checks and balances between the CSG industry and landholders to ensure Queensland’s strict environmental and health and safety standards are maintained.”
The Coal Seam Gas Compliance Unit field officers provide services throughout the Surat, Bowen and Galilee Basins by investigating landholder complaints about potential water bore impacts by CSG operations, conducting audits and inspections relating to CSG land access issues and weed hygiene on properties and facilitating community information events.
“QFF looks forward to the good work undertaken by the unit continuing into the future,” said Mr. Armitage.