THERE are twice as many “tree police” employed by the Queensland Government to enforce the Vegetation Management Act as there are compliance officers to monitor the mining, gas and petroleum sector.
In a response to an Estimates Hearing question from LNP shadow mines and energy minister Jeff Seeney, Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Stephen Robertson confirmed that his department employs 173 officers to monitor and enforce the Vegetation Management Act, but just 79 inspectors to cover the mining, gas and petroleum industries.
“I think this is an indication of their philosophy,” Mr Seeney said. “The department of natural resources has had a persecute and prosecute attitude towards landholders, but in complete contrast they have not had the enthusiasm or focus on the mining industry, even in terms of achieving the even handed response they should have had.”
Mr Seeney said a “gold rush mentality” had been evident in the State Government’s handling of the rapid growth of the coal seam gas industry to date.
He said the mining and gas industry required a “a very different level of administration” in the closely settled areas of the Darling Downs than it did in more sparsely populated areas such as the State’s north west.
“The Government has a clear obligation to administer that and monitor those activities in way that will prevent conflict, and unfortunately the conflict that is becoming more and more evident is a consequence of the Government not playing their role to administer and monitor that activity.”
Minister Robertson issued a press release on Wednesday announcing the appointment of an additional eight mining and environmental compliance officers for the Dalby and Roma areas.
The Bligh Government was moving to “significantly ramp up the monitoring, inspection and enforcement” of the industry in south west Queensland, he said.
Mr Robertson said the government was determined to get the right balance between sustainable growth of the CSG industry, ensuring landholder rights and protecting the environment.
“This new squad of mining and environmental officers is what this region needs for a responsible and accountable coal seam gas industry,” Mr Robertson said.
“Together they form a tougher watchdog for the industry, ensuring that environmental obligations are strictly delivered on and approved gas extraction processes are followed by the book.”
“If the industry cannot operate within the limits and conditions of their Government approvals, they have no place in Queensland,” acting minister for climate change Anastasia Palaszczuk said.
“The Department of Environment and Resource Management staff will be guided by a new Compliance Plan, soon to be released, which will have a strong focus on the gas sector.”
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