Farmers and Knitting Nannas will gather outside Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki’s Toowoomba office on Friday, demanding that the Queensland Government honour its promise to protect prime farmland and vital groundwater from coal seam gas expansion.
- What: Toowoomba Knitting Nannas will gather outside the Toowoomba office of David Janetzki, joined by farmers from Cecil Plains, in a peaceful knit-in calling on the Queensland Government to honour its election commitment to protect prime farmland from gas expansion.
- When: Friday 20 February, 8-10am.
- Where: Outside the office of Queensland Treasurer David Janetzi – The Bernoth Centre, Lvl 1, 677-683 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba.
The peaceful knit-in comes amid growing concern about Arrow Energy’s ongoing coal seam gas drilling, which is already affecting the Condamine Alluvium, an important groundwater source that is crucial to agricultural production across the Cecil Plains district.
In the lead-up to the 2024 state election, the Crisafulli Government promised to protect the Condamine Alluvium and the fertile food bowl above it. In a statement, Condamine MP Pat Weir said the government would change legislation and require gas companies to demonstrate beyond any reasonable doubt that they won't have a detrimental impact on the land above or below the surface of the Condamine Alluvium. The government is yet to give any indication that it is acting on the commitment..
Melinda Palmer, Springvale farmer said: “Coal seam gas wells are getting drilled right over my back fence, and we’re already seeing damage done in our backyards. Our region is some of the most productive agricultural land in the country, and it feeds people across Australia and the world. The government must act urgently to halt further harm to our precious water sources.”
Rhonda Allen, Knitting Nanna said: “It’s long past time for the government to honour their commitment. Allowing gas drilling to keep creeping into the Condamine Alluvium undermines the long-term future of food production in this region.”
“Most of the gas that Arrow Energy extracts is sold overseas for huge company profits, while local communities are left to pay the price of damaged agricultural land.”
Learn more about the background at the Save our Darling Downs website.