Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin announced the funding at the AgForce state conference last week, in recognition of the ongoing success of the AgForce Projects program in the Surat basin in Southern Queensland.

AgForce CEO Robert Walker said the announcement recognised the unprecedented expansion of the CSG industry in Queensland and the need for greater balance between the CSG and agricultural industries.

“This announcement is acknowledgement that the CSG industry is expanding to areas not previously affected by resource development and that more support is needed for landholders dealing with CSG companies,” Mr Walker said.

“The CSG Project, delivered by AgForce’s Projects division, has already helped more than 1000 producers prepare for CSG negotiations since it was launched in the Surat Basin in March.

“This new funding announcement means landholders in the Galilee and Bowen Basins will also now have access to these vital services, which provide landholders with information about their rights and responsibilities.

“Despite this funding, AgForce continues to call on the government to restrict CSG operations until the industry’s cumulative impacts on the environment are known,” the body said.

The sessions are free to all producers and provide the tools and resources to negotiate a fair agreement with a CSG company and minimise the impacts of CSG on their properties.

For information about the AgForce Projects CSG information sessions call (07) 3238 6048 or visit .