The Queensland Government has promised better community engagement, more field inspections, audits and a ‘firm approach to industry non-compliance’ as part of a new coal seam gas management plan.

State Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Andrew Cripps, said the DNRM Coal Seam Gas Engagement and Compliance Plan 2013 sets out a number of actions that will be undertaken by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines to ensure that the impacts of the CSG industry.

The Newman Government supports the development of Queensland’s CSG industry, but recognises the balance between the interests of industry, rural landholders, regional communities and our environment,” Mr Cripps said. 

“This is not an industry that will be established at any cost.  We will continue to expect high standards and work towards the continuous improvement of Queensland’s CSG industry.”

Mr Cripps said the strategy will allow for the formation of a new CSG Compliance Unit, which will replace the former LNG Enforcement Unit as the Government rolls out the plan.

“The unit will work closely with other key government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection and the GasFields Commission to regulate the CSG activities and build community confidence in the management of the industry,” Mr Cripps said.

Mr Cripps said the Unit will randomly inspect 250 CSG wells, audit 45 per cent of all CSG drilling activities and inspect 80 per cent of CSG seismic activities in the coming year.

Further information is available at: www.industry.qld.gov.au/lng/index.html