Statement from Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon

The LNP’s claims today are fabricated and simply incorrect.
 
Here are the facts.
 
My office was sent a copy of advice from the independent regulator on the matter on May 12, 2021, which said:
 
“On 13 May 2021 the most recent groundwater results will be provided to Arrow and released to adjacent landholders as part of DES’ regular engagement and existing data sharing arrangements.”
 
When I became aware of reports that adjacent landholders had only been provided with results from bores on their properties, I directed the department to provide advice on the contamination found on the Kummerows Road bores.
 
Any suggestion by the LNP of a cover up by me is absolute nonsense, particularly given I provided them with information in relation to contamination last year to a public Question on Notice. 
 
This government has always taken environmental harm seriously.
 
Which is why, right now I have a Bill in the parliament strengthening transparency and holding directors and officers to account for serious environmental harm.
 
Our government banned underground coal gasification, and the regulator successfully prosecuted Linc for its actions with the courts issuing a $4.5 million fine – the largest penalty imposed under Queensland law.
 
This is a particularly galling effort by the LNP, given that a current LNP frontbencher said at the time that when Steven Miles visited landholders that he was “fearmongering” and fuelling “bad publicity for the region”.
 
I’m calling on the LNP to apologise and withdraw its fabricated accusations.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078