Govt changes to CSG water policy will benefit communities
COAL seam gas firms will be told to reuse water from Friday after the Queensland Government reviewed its CSG water policy.
The government has released its CSG Water Management Policy, a product of its GasFields Commission, to give clarity on what was expected of these gas firms.
Minister for Environment Andrew Powell said the policy would provide certainty for landowners and the wider community.
The government's top priorities for this CSG water pumped from coal seams and usually high in salt was to firstly aim to use it in a way that benefited land owners or the community.
If that is not possible, the water should be treated or disposed of in a way that avoids any impact on the environment.
At a last resort, the damage should be kept as slight as possible.
From here, the government will put together water quality standards to govern CSG water, then review the Water Supply Act.
The State will provide more information on using CSG water in irrigation, then work with industry and the community on how best to handle this water.
"The aim of the new policy is to encourage industry to use CSG water in a way that protects the environment and maximises its productive use as a valuable resource," Mr Powell said.
"By giving the CSG industry clear priorities for CSG water management we hope to encourage industry-led compliance.
"Industry has an obligation to protect the environment and the Newman Government will not hesitate to take action against those companies which put the environment at risk."
