Photo © QCCWildlife Queensland was invited by QCC to provide joint representation before this Senate Inquiry during its session held in Brisbane on 20 July 2011. Opening statements are directed by the Committee to be brief by nature. Opportunity presented to advise the background and relationship of both organisations as well as our involvement with the industry.
Critical issues raised included:
- regulatory inconsistencies
- inadequacies of project approval processes
- impacts on the Great Artesian Basin,
- djacent aquifers and associated waters
waste disposal
- biodiversity impacts and threats
- food security and management issues.
Wildlife Queensland focussed predominantly on biodiversity, food security and the balance in broad terms between conservation, environmental factors and primary industries that existed prior to the impost of this CSG industry.
Without question the Committee clearly demonstrated a determination to become well informed on the topic. Probing questions sought to uncover in real terms the benefits, the disadvantages and the knowledge gaps that underpin the industry. What the outcome will be cannot be predicted. One had the feeling that the Committee or at least the majority of the Committee had a genuine concern about the industry and its impact on people, prime agricultural land, aquifers and the regulatory regime. Hopefully some benefits will be
forthcoming but politics may get in the way. Time only will tell.
Here is Wildlife Queensland’s statement to the enquiry.
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