The impact of coal seam gas development on agriculture and rural communities is in the spotlight in southern Queensland this week, as public hearings continue as part of the Senate Inquiry into the Management of the Murray-Darling Basin.
Taking place in Roma, Dalby and Brisbane, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) says the hearings provide farmers and community members with the opportunity to have their say on concres around the growing CSG industry.
Chair of the NFF Mining and CSG Taskforce, Duncan Fraser says he’s pleased the Senate Inquiry into the Murray-Darling Basin has been extended to also consider the impact of CSG developments, as there are many uncertainties around the environmental, social and economic effects on communities – particularly the impacts on agricultural land and invaluable water resources.
He says NFF members across all almost States and Territories are becoming increasingly concered by issues associated with CSG, and debate on the topic is now moving at a rate of knots.
The hearings follow the CSIRO’s recent announcement of a new research alliance to consider the social, environmental and economic impacts of CSG, while public comment is also now being sought by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) on the Eastern Star Gas CSG project near Narrabri.
“Our position, and that of our members, is not about preventing mining and CSG exploration or extraction – but rather ensuring that agriculture, CSG and mining can coexist, so as to guarantee the long-term sustainability of our food and fibre production,” Mr Fraser says.
“We recognise that this may require a more considered approach, rather than a mad rush towards resource extraction – and that is what the NFF Taskforce will be encouraging when we front the Senate Inquiry.”
