National Agreement on Coal Seam Gas Mining

The recent agreement between the Australian Government and State Governments in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia under the umbrella of the Council of Australian Governments  (COAG) recognises and underscores the level of community unease about this form of mining and its potential negative impacts - whether on the community, the environment and in particular, water resources. The National Partnership Agreement on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development cites the various possible risks and emphasises the need for greater research as a matter of urgency with a strong emphasis on the protection of water resources from the effects of CSG mining.

Of note, local government authorities across several Australian states remain concerned with CSG mining citing the effects on farmland, food security, biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), tourism, local economies and local community health.

A copy of the National Partnership Agreement can be obtained by clicking here.