Australia: APPEA Welcomes Queensland&#39s New Land Use Policy

The Queensland Government policy announced today for managing resource development on prime agricultural land is a timely acknowledgment that well-designed gas operations can coexist with agriculture without impacting long term productivity, according to the peak national body representing Australia’s natural gas industry.

The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Associations Director – CSG, Ross Dunn: said: “The gas industry has a small surface footprint and does not significantly reduce farm productivity.

“There are more than 2000 coal seam gas wells co-existing with agriculture across the Surat Basin. Given the track-record of the industry and the constructive approach being taken by the Surat Basin Sustainability Alliance, the industry is confident of resolving all development issues for prime agricultural areas.

“The Queensland Government’s new policy also recognises that after gas operations are completed, agricultural land is rehabilitated and its productive capacity restored.

“The gas industry welcomes policies such as this that recognise that the sustainable development of Queensland’s gas resources can build energy security, share economic prosperity, and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, without compromising food security.

“The Queensland Government is to be commended for its measured and commonsense approach to securing long-term resource development in a manner that does not sacrifice the best farming land.”

A typical CSG well occupies an area of just 10 metres by 10 metres and produces the energy equivalent of 85,000 tonnes of coal.

The Queensland CSG Industry has successfully operated since 1996, has negotiated 2000 landholder access agreements, and now produces enough gas to meet 90% of Queensland’s domestic gas market.

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Source: APPEA, September 27, 2011