Public involvement
The department is committed to ensuring transparency in its regulation of the coal seam gas industry. There are many opportunities for the public to get involved in this important industry.
Opportunities to have your say
Environmental Authority applications
Coal seam gas activities are Chapter 5A activities under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and require an environmental authority to be issued before the activity can be carried out. The environmental authority imposes conditions aimed at ensuring that potential environmental harm is minimised or mitigated.
The public have an opportunity to provide feedback on environmental authority applications and this information is taken into consideration by the department during the assessment process.
What can I comment on?
View the environmental authority applications currently seeking public comment.
For applications where public notification is required, the applicant must, within two business days after the application date (and 15 business days for amendment applications), publish a notice in a paper circulating generally in the area where the relevant Chapter 5A activities are proposed.
A subscription email service also provides updates on the latest public notifications and environmental authorities. To subscribe, send an email to publicregister@derm.qld.gov.au
Environmental Impact Statements
Major resources activities can also be required to undergo an environmental impact statement (EIS) process. Similar to the process for assessing an application for an environmental authority, the EIS process identifies the environmental values that may be impacted, and ways of mitigating and minimising these impacts.
An EIS goes into greater detail than the assessment process for an environmental authority, and also includes public consultation on a draft terms of reference for the EIS. This ensures that stakeholders and any member of the public can review the document and comment on what values, impacts and commitments should be considered in the EIS.
What can I comment on?
When the proponent has produced the EIS, it too is made available for a minimum period of 30 business days for stakeholders and the public to review the document, and to submit comments on the quality of the proponent’s assessment and commitments.
View the projects currently undergoing EIS processes.
Surat Basin Engagement Committee
Three community engagement consultative groups were established in early 2011 to provide input to and feedback on government policy and regulation. This brings together senior representatives from landholder groups, mining companies, local and state governments.
The Surat Basin Engagement Group is the overarching group with two regional sub-groups established in Roma and Dalby to provide a specific focus for those areas. The Surat Basin Engagement Group Chairman is former AgForce Queensland President John Cotter.
Last updated 1 May 2012