Queensland Premier Steven Miles has responded to the grave concerns raised by the agriculture sector, regional community leaders and conservationists with today’s announcement of a permanent ban on carbon capture and storage (CCS) activities in the Queensland component of the Great Artesian Basin (GAB).
The announcement comes off the back of the State’s environmental regulator’s decision last week to reject the CTSCo Surat Basin CCS project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) due to the significant risk the proposal posed to critical groundwater relied upon by Queensland agriculture, rural communities and the environment.
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) have welcomed and applauded today’s announcement following months of advocacy calling on the Queensland Government to protect the Queensland component of the GAB from future CCS activities.
QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said today’s announcement is an important step forward for the 180,000 people, 7,600 businesses and 120 towns who rely upon the GAB every day for their stock and drinking water.
“QFF thanks the Queensland Government for listening and responding to the concerns of Queensland farmers and communities. In the absence of federal policy on this issue, the Miles Government has stepped up and taken a leadership role to ensure the Queensland component of the GAB is protected for generations to come,” Ms Sheppard said.
“The unified opposition to CCS in the GAB has remained strong throughout this process and I would like to thank the farmers, agricultural peak bodies and members of parliament including Hon Glenn Butcher, Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, Robbie Katter Member for Traeger and the many regional mayors who have joined QFF in championing this issue.
“It has been gratifying to work alongside the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and the Queensland Conservation Council and be able to take such a strong and unified voice to the Queensland Government on what has been a whole of community concern.
“Last month QFF led a whole of community delegation to the Premier to raise the collective concerns of a broad range of stakeholders on this issue. The Premier has listened and has today taken action in what is a landmark decision that will protect the Queensland component of the GAB from future CCS bids.
“It is now on the other states and the Federal Government to follow the leadership provided by the Queensland Premier and play their part to protect the GAB.
“QFF will continue to work with the National Farmers’ Federation and other peak bodies to advocate for appropriate measures to be included in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act review which is currently underway.
“Congratulations Premier Steven Miles and the Queensland Government. QFF thanks you for your leadership on this important issue, for responding to the serious concerns raised and for acting on behalf of the people of Queensland.”
The new laws are expected to be introduced and passed by the Queensland Parliament before the state election in October.
“QFF now calls on bi-partisan support from all sides of politics to enact these changes as soon as possible,” Ms Sheppard said.
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Media contact
Anna Jones, Corporate Partnerships and Communications Manager, QFF
E: partnerships@qff.org.au
P: 0481 395 623