Farmers working to save the Darling Downs from the impacts of coal seam gas mining have welcomed LNP Condamine MP Pat Weir’s promise to better protect a critical groundwater source from CSG extraction.
Under the LNP’s proposed new policy, gas companies would be required 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 Condamine Alluvium, which is part of the Murray-Darling Basin is an aquifer that is heavily relied on by farmers to irrigate crops and regional towns’ drinking supplies throughout the Darling Downs. It also directly overlies the Walloon Coal Measure, which are targeted by coal seam gas companies.
Mr Weir's commitment was made during the “Energy Done Right” forum, organised by Save our Darling Downs, the Darling Downs Environment Council and Lock the Gate. The forum focussed on the implications of the energy transition for the Darling Downs area.
Candidates from the LNP and the Greens for Condamine and Toowoomba North were in attendance, with Labor candidates giving their apologies.
Photos and footage from the night can be found here.
Cecil Plains farmer and Save Our Darling Downs spokesperson Liza Balmain said,
“We were very encouraged by the LNP’s position last night at the candidates forum promising better protection for the prime agricultural land overlying the Condamine Alluvium from the impacts of coal seam gas mining. It’s good to see the LNP listening to farmers' concerns.
“It was a productive evening, despite our disappointment that the Labor party candidates did not attend.
“On the Darling Downs we grow cotton, sorghum, chickpeas, wheat, and other grains and legumes that feed and clothe Queensland and the world, all underpinned by the precious Condamine Alluvium, which is threatened by the gas industry’s intentions to drill hundreds of gas wells through its core.
“Coal seam gas induced subsidence, caused by the extraction of vast quantities of gas and water from beneath the surface, is causing fertile cropping country on the Darling Downs to sink, adversely reducing crop production and causing a totally unjust economic blow to farmers.”
ENDS
Politicians and candidates in attendance:
Trevor Watts - LNP
Thom Roker - GRN
Pat Weir - LNP
Ellisa Parker - GRN