Farming and mining - we need them both

A number of public forums are being held on the Darling Downs to give farmers a chance to have their say about land access issues, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

Minister Wilson said mining and farming had co-existed for many generations and there was no reason why they could not continue to co-exist and thrive for generations to come.

“Both of these industries are equally important to Queensland. 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.

“That’s why I’ve taken action to bring all the parties together. They’ve all got a seat at the table.

“We want to hear what they’ve got to say and take all of their concerns on board. I’m confident that together, we can work towards a solution that’s in everyone’s best interests,” he said.

The Minister has organised a series of public forums in Roma, Injune, Miles, Wandoan, Dalby and Felton to give landholders a chance to raise their concerns.

“I come from the wheat belt. I know what landowners are going through and I know the challenges they face. My family comes from the land,” he said.

The Minister 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.

“We’ve all got a stake in the long-term sustainable development of the Surat Basin,” he said.

“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.

“That’s why I have organised these public forums – so that farmers can have their say about land access issues.”

The forums are being arranged in partnership with AgForce to help inform landholders about their rights and responsibilities if gas producers and miners seek access to their land.

Minister Wilson said a Land Access Taskforce of peak rural and resource industry bodies had also been set up to look into concerns about access to farming land for exploration and mining.

The Taskforce includes AgForce, the Queensland Farmers Federation, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association and the Queensland Resources Council.

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

Deputy Premier Paul Lucas is also conducting Regional Summits in the state’s three key resource regions – the Bowen Basin (Dysart), the Surat Basin (Dalby) and the North West Minerals Province (Mt Isa).

The Regional Summits will give rural producers, the mining industry, local communities and government leaders an opportunity to examine the impact of the resources boom and plan long-term strategies to address the challenges.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819