Wandoan workshop to update landholders on new CSG and mining laws

Tuesday, 28 Mar 2017

Western Downs landholders wanting to learn what recent changes to mining and coal seam gas laws will mean for them are encouraged to attend a free workshop in Wandoan next month.

AgForce CSG Project Leader Daniel Phipps said landholders attending the Advanced CSG Negotiation Support workshop in Wandoan would be updated on the new laws and the latest resource industry developments in the region.

"Coal seam gas and resource developments are an important issue for landholders and will continue to be into the future, which is why we are encouraging landholders to access this independent service - at no cost to them - while they still can," he said.

"With about 6800 production wells drilled so far and estimates of 18,000 wells required across the coal seam gas industry, there is significant development yet to occur, so it's vital for landholders to be as informed as possible about what changes to legislation and government policies mean for them.

"The workshop will discuss the laws passed in the Queensland Parliament late last year that included stronger 'make good' obligations on the resources sector, the introduction of restricted lands for both CSG and mining, and improved access to professional hydrological advice.

"Landholders attending the workshop will also get an overview of the latest underground water report, tips on property planning and mapping, and advice on what they should consider when negotiating a Conduct and Compensation Agreement (CCA) with a resource company.

"It's all about ensuring landholders understand their rights and responsibilities so they can protect their properties, their businesses and their livelihoods."

The Wandoan workshop is being held on Thursday 20 April from 9am to 1pm and registrations are essential.

To register, call 3238 6048 or visit www.agforceprojects.org.au and go to the Events page.

Mr Phipps also encouraged rural landholders right across Queensland to take part in an AgForce Projects survey about their interactions with coal seam gas and mining companies.

"This survey enables the AgForce Projects team to assess landholders' perspectives on the resources sector and get a better understanding of landholders' needs so we can tailor the information and services we provide," he said.

The survey is open for another two weeks and can be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AGFCSG2017

These workshops are delivered with the support of the Queensland Government, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, the Queensland Resources Council and the GasFields Commission Queensland.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Scott Whitby 0418 733 102, Sarah Henderson 0427 626 853