PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland government on Thursday reported that it was taking action to assist the coal industry and the coal-seam gas (CSG) companies to resolve conflicts caused by overlapping land tenure.

Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson has released a consultation paper seeking industry input on planned government reforms to tenure arrangements between the coal and petroleum sectors.

"The coal-mining industry and the emerging CSG-liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry are both vital to Queensland's future economic prosperity and jobs," he said.

Robertson noted that there were cases where land targeted for gas production to supply the growing CSG-LNG industry could also be subject to existing tenure that allows coal exploration and mine development.

"We need to strike an appropriate balance between the tenure rights of both sectors to optimise for Queensland the benefits from our abundant coal and CSG resources.”

Robertson said this would give companies undertaking exploration and resource development activities greater certainty and support development of the coal industry and the CSG projects.

"This consultation paper sets out proposals to be included in draft legislation and gives industry the opportunity to put forward its ideas about how we can best achieve outcomes that meet the needs of all parties.”

He added that the state government was also committed to the sustainable development of both the coal and CSG industries and recognised the vital importance of having the right legislation and policies in place to facilitate this.

"It's also important to highlight that both industries have obligations related to how they gain access to privately owned land under Queensland's new land access laws and these amendments don't alter the requirements in place to protect landholder rights.”

He noted that while the blueprint for Queensland's LNG industry sets out that sustainable growth of the CSG industry is important, the government’s priority was also to ensure it met the highest environmental, safety and access standards.

Robertson said the coal and the CSG industries, including the Queensland Resources Council and the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, were invited to provide feedback into the review.

"Industry has until February 25 to make submissions and this information will be used to help finalise the policy ahead of new legislation being introduced into Parliament later in the year."

The Queensland coal industry contributes around A$23,8-billion in exports and provides in excess of 20 000 direct and 80 000 indirect jobs. While still in its early stages, with first production scheduled to take place around 2014, an LNG industry also offered the state an opportunity for employment with more than A$3-billion a year expected for the economy.

"It's in the interests of all Queenslanders that government policies and processes continue to support investment in these areas," Robertson added.

 

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