Queensland has become the first state to sign up to the newly strengthened regulatory framework for coal seam gas and large coal mining developments.

 

The announcement comes after the Prime Minister wrote to the Premiers NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia and the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory seeking cooperation to strengthen the regulation of CSG and large coal mining developments that may have significant impacts on water resources.

 

This was in response to community concerns about the management of the impacts of these activities on important water resources and to fill the critical gaps in scientific understanding about these impacts.

 

The Federal Government is hoping that future agreements will ensure that future decisions are informed by substantially improved science and independent expert advice, by establishing an Independent Expert Scientific Committee (IESC) that will:

  • Provide governments with expert scientific advice on CSG and large coal mining development proposals that are likely to have a significant impact on water resources;
  • Commission public research and bioregional assessments in areas of high CSG and/or large coal mining developments in order to improve scientific knowledge and understanding of the impacts of these developments, both in specific locations and on water resources more broadly; and
  • Make public its advice and the findings of all research undertaken.

 

The Commonwealth will continue to work cooperatively with other states and territories to progress this reform.