The Queensland government passed legislation to strengthen coexistence between the state’s agriculture, renewables and resources industries.
The reforms build stronger relationships across these sectors, aligning with key areas in the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan.
A central change expands the former GasFields Commission Queensland’s role. The body will be called Coexistence Queensland and provide enhanced community and industry information, engagement and education on land access and coexistence across resources and renewables. Previously, its focus was solely on the onshore gas industry.
The reforms expand the Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment’s remit to advise government entities on subsurface petroleum and gas activity impacts.
The Land Access Ombudsman’s role broadens to support alternative dispute resolution for a wider range of land access issues.
Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the expanded responsibilities address service gaps or duplication.
“The expanded roles and responsibilities of Coexistence Queensland, the Land Access Ombudsman and the Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment are especially important, because it means any gaps or duplication of services have now been addressed,” he said.
“Because of its previous focus dealing with land access issues relating to the onshore gas industry, Coexistence Queensland is well placed to provide support to landholders engaging with renewable energy companies, and other types of resources companies, that are seeking access to their land.”
Queensland’s Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said Queensland leads world-class coexistence practices.
“Working with communities is at the heart of our clean economy transition, and the Miles Government is committed to ensuring we listen and work with locals and landholders,” he said.
“Coexistence Queensland is an expansion of our highly successful GasFields Commission and will be a trusted independent body to support the valuable partnerships between the state’s resources, agriculture, and renewable energy industries.
“The clean energy transition presents a once in a generation opportunity for landholders, and agriculture and resource businesses. By working together, we can achieve fantastic outcomes for all.”
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