June 14, 2024
The State Government has passed legislation which aims to improve the relationships between farmers, mining companies and the renewable energy sector.
The GasFields Commission – set up in 2013 as an independent statutory body to manage the co-existence of landholders, regional communities and the coal seam gas industry in Queensland – has been given expanded responsibilities and a new name.
It will now be known as “Coexistence Queensland”, and will be tasked to provide information, engagement and education services to the community and industry on land access and coexistence issues across the resources and renewable energy sectors.
The Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment and Land Access Ombudsman will also have new, expanded roles:
- The Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment will provide advice, on request, to government entities on subsurface impacts from petroleum and gas activities; and
- The Land Access Ombudsman will provide support to stakeholders on a broader range of land access disputes through an alternative dispute resolution pathway.
The legislation also includes amendments which aim to improve processes for assessing and administering resource authorities and reduce the State’s financial risk from resource companies failing to comply with their environmental or rehabilitation obligations.
Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said the renamed GasFields Commission would be a trusted, independent body to support partnerships between Queensland’s resources, agriculture, and renewable energy industries.
“The clean energy transition presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for landholders, and agriculture and resource businesses. By working together, we can achieve fantastic outcomes for all,” he said.
