Crisafulli Government moves to protect Condamine Alluvium

• Legislative reforms delivering election commitment to strengthen protections of the Condamine Alluvium.
• Changes will support balanced assessment of mining and gas projects with strong groundwater safeguards.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future by fixing Labor’s failure to support coexistence.

The Crisafulli Government is progressing legislative reform to require gas companies to demonstrate beyond any reasonable doubt that new projects would not have a detrimental impact on the Condamine Alluvium, a large and significant water aquifer used for agriculture.

This vital groundwater supports high value agricultural land and overlays a well-established coal seam gas resource, with the proposed reforms informed by a review of planning, environmental and resources legislation.

In addition to delivering the election commitment to protect the Condamine Alluvium after a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is also proposing to legislate more property rights for landholders to underpin coexistence in the area.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future by creating lasting economic opportunities for regional Queensland, delivering jobs and investment certainty for both agricultural and resources.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the reforms struck the right balance between supporting responsible development that delivers jobs and economic growth and protecting vital water resources

“The Condamine Alluvium is one of Queensland’s most important groundwater systems, and protecting it is non‑negotiable,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“During their decade of decline, Labor repeatedly ignored local community and landholder concerns over the Condamine Alluvium and took no action taken to ensure protection of the water aquifer.

“In keeping with our commitment to local communities and landholders, the Crisafulli Government has not approved any new regional interest development applications for gas companies in the Surat Basin.

“We have reviewed the regulatory framework and this bill will ensure any new applications received by gas companies will demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt that the proposed project will not have a detrimental impact on the Condamine alluvium.

“Yet again, the Crisafulli Government is fixing Labor’s mess with a strong mandatory deemed condition to protect the water aquifer for generations to come as well as increasing landholder property rights to support the local community to coexist with the resources industry.

“We are implementing our election commitment, with significant consultation in the development of these reforms which protect the Condamine alluvium and support landholders and farmers.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Haddan 0437 334 769