Farming and mining go hand in hand with state’s prosperity

The Bligh Government is looking over the horizon and planning now to secure the long term future of agriculture and mining in Queensland, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

Minister Wilson said the two industries were equally important to Queensland.

“We need them both. One gives us the food and fibre we need for our daily lives. The other is a key economic driver of the state’s strong economy,” Mr Wilson said.

“We need to strike the right balance between protecting the rights of landowners, and allowing explorers, miners and gas producers access to that land for exploration.

“Today’s exploration means tomorrow’s jobs and tomorrow’s mines. Royalties from mining help build our schools and hospitals, put police on the beat and teachers in our classrooms,” he said.

Minister Wilson said the Bligh Government was mindful of the rights of all parties and was working towards a solution that was in everyone’s best interests.

“Firstly, we’ve initiated a series of public information sessions to be held in regional Queensland.

“These are being arranged in partnership with AgForce. The sessions will help inform landholders about their rights and responsibilities if gas producers and miners seek access to their land,” he said.

The public information sessions will start in Roma on October 30, moving to Injune, Miles, Wandoan, Dalby and Felton.

Second, a Land Access Taskforce of peak rural and resources industry bodies has also been set up to look into the concerns regarding access to farming land for exploration and mining.

It includes AgForce, the Queensland Farmers Federation, the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Associationand the Queensland Resources Council,

“Everyone’s got a stake in the long term sustainable development of the Surat Basin.

“The mineral wealth of Queensland is owned by all Queenslanders. We have to be good stewards of these resources for our children and generations to follow.

“We’re looking over the horizon and planning now, to secure our long term future. That’s why we have set up the Land Access Taskforce.

“We’ve invited all stakeholders to tell us their views about how best to use these resources for the benefit of all Queenslanders,” he said.

In a further initiative, Deputy Premier Paul Lucas will conduct Regional Summits in the state’s three key resource regions – Bowen (Dysart), Surat (Dalby) and the North West Mineral Province (Mount Isa).

These Regional Summits will provide the mining industry, rural producers and local community and governmentleaders with an opportunity to examine the impacts of a resources boom and to discuss long-term plansfor communities to address the challenges they face.

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