The Scenic Rim community is celebrating after Arrow Energy relinquished its coal seam gas exploration tenements in the farming and tourism-focused region west of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The Scenic Rim community had fought a fierce battle to halt drilling ten years ago, but Arrow was not forced to relinquish the tenements. In fact, the company applied to turn the tenements into Potential Commercial Areas several years ago, prompting concern from the community that drilling could once again occur in the region.
Today, Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart confirmed the tenements in the Scenic Rim had been totally extinguished.
Keep the Scenic Rim Scenic spokesperson Innes Larkin said it was a terrific outcome.
“Today is a day for celebration. This outcome was more than a decade in the making. We’re over the moon that destructive coal seam gas drilling no longer threatens the Scenic Rim’s World Heritage natural areas, its prime agricultural land, or its amazing tourist attractions.
“The community should feel proud of this achievement.
“But our thoughts are also with farmers further west in the Darling and Western Downs, whose fight against Arrow, Origin, Santos, and numerous other smaller coal seam gas operators is ongoing.
“Just like they planned to do in the Scenic Rim, these companies are drilling on the best agricultural land in Queensland.
“While we are celebrating today, our thoughts remain with the many communities across Australia fighting to protect their regions from the scourge of unconventional gas.”
ENDS