Coexistence strengthened between Queensland’s resources, renewable energy and agriculture industries
The Queensland Government has passed legislation that strengthens the coexistence between the State’s resources, renewable energy and agriculture industries.
Reforms include expanding the scope of Queensland’s coexistence institutions, including the GasFields Commission Queensland which will know be know as Coexistence Queensland.
The role of Coexistence Queensland will be to provide enhanced information, engagement and education services to the community and industry on land access and coexistence issues across the resources and renewable energy sectors.
Previously, focus was just on the onshore gas industry.
Other coexistence reforms include:
- Expanding the remit of the Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment to provide advice, on request, to government entities on subsurface impacts from petroleum and gas activities.
- Expanding the role of the Land Access Ombudsman to provide support to stakeholders on a broader range of land access disputes through an alternative dispute resolution pathway.
Coexistence Queensland chief executive Warwick Squire says the organisation is excited by the expanded offerings.
“We’re excited our remit will expand to address coexistence matters across the broader energy and resources under our new name, Coexistence Queensland,” he said.
“Coexistence Queensland will play a key role in connecting landholders, community, industry and government to work and thrive together.
“It’s about ensuring industry development occurs in a socially responsible and sustainable way, with the interests of community at its core.”
