A new, independent ombudsman will mediate coal seam gas (CSG) issues between gas companies and landholders in Queensland.
Queensland State Development Minister, Dr Anthony Lynham, said the new land access ombudsman was a central element of a revamp of the state’s Gasfields Commission and CSG dispute resolution system.
Former Queensland Farmers’ Federation boss, Ruth Wade, will head the new-look commission, which will have a new focus after three years of operation on the gasfields.
“Our multi-billion-dollar agriculture and LNG industries need to continue to co-exist in and around our regional communities,” Dr Lynham said.
“The new ombudsman will give landholders a trusted and independent decision maker to resolve issues before they escalate into full blown legal disputes.
‘As well, a more streamlined dispute resolution will be more cost-effective and efficient.
“Government will work with stakeholders, including the recently appointed President of the Land Court, to finalise legislative and regulatory changes to make this happen.
“Our other reforms to the Gasfields Commission will allow it to continue the work of building sustainable coexistence, but with what is now an ongoing and mature industry.”
Ms Wade has more than 25 years’ experience in agriculture and business and will be joined by Theodore cotton farmer, Fleur Anderson, a passionate advocate for rural communities and small businesses. Current commissioners Ian Hayllor and Rick Wilkinson were reappointed.
Dr Lynham thanked the Gasfields Commission’s outgoing chairman John Cotter and the commissioners who had worked hard to establish the commission since its inception in 2013.
“Their efforts over the past three years have been instrumental in the growth of the onshore gas industry in very challenging circumstances,” Dr Lynham said.
“Local workers are benefiting from the jobs, local businesses from the direct investment by the companies, and the royalty stream will support the state’s schools, hospitals and essential services for decades to come.”
The revamp follows an independent review by retired Land Court member Bob Scott, who interviewed more than 80 stakeholders including landholders, peak producer groups, industry, industry peak bodies, government agencies, local governments and community groups.
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) Chief Executive, Dr Malcolm Roberts, said the independent review had confirmed the important role of the commission in promoting win-win solutions for regional communities and Queensland’s growing natural gas industry.
“The commission is a trusted, independent body which has helped the communication between communities, the industry and governments,” Dr Roberts said.
“The result has been better mutual understanding and co-operative work to maximize the benefits to local communities.
“It’s pleasing to see the commission will continue to serve regional communities in this capacity.”
Dr Roberts said that while the review’s recommendations would require assessment, Queensland was clearly leading the way in showing how agriculture and natural gas can prosper alongside each other, to everyone’s benefit.
Dr Roberts said the Queensland approach was a model for any state that wished to grow its economy, generate new regional jobs, and ensure there was a reliable and affordable energy supply.
“APPEA and its members look forward to working with the Queensland Government and other stakeholders in implementing the report’s recommendations.”
Dr Roberts thanked the outgoing Commissioners John Cotter, Don Stiller, Ray Brown, Shane Charles, and Professor Steven Raine for the huge contribution they have made to regional Queensland.
“At times, this was a tough role for the commissioners but they proved more than equal to the challenge,” Dr Roberts said.
“I would like to pay particular tribute to John Cotter who, as chairman, provided outstanding leadership throughout the commission’s early years.”
The new-look commission will:
- Reduce to one chair and three part-time commissioners
- Improve the information that is available to landholders
- Set up a community reference group to focus on health and wellbeing concerns for residents and their families in areas such as the Tara Estates
- Work with the various agencies in the CSG industry to clarify their responsibilities and how they respond to inquiries and complaints