20
Jun
2014
Less red tape for CSG approvals a threat to our water aquifers
KAP Leader and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter this week in Parliament voted against the Government to amend the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 which includes a water trigger amendment, which in effect delegates to the State Government's Coal Seam Gas (CSG) project approvals in relation to impacts on water supply.
“There is a conflict of interest when the State Governments receive royalties from the CSG industry. Being judge and jury on the approvals process, when State coffers benefit, mocks the objectivity for farmers,” Mr Katter said.
Mr Katter believes underground water is the life blood of inland Queensland, an inland almost completely bereft of surface water. CSG must drain aquifers and use contaminates thus potentially threatening this precious resource.
Mr Katter voted against the State Government becoming a ‘one stop shop’ for the approvals.
“The Bentley Case in NSW and the corruption that has ensued has resulted it seems from the close and unhealthy relationship between the CSG industry and cosy crony government that hallmarks the ALP-LNP junta in Queensland and New South Wales.
"This jeopardises our aquifers underground water in Queensland. It is not a coincidence that the Queensland Government has issued a press release that they wish to reduce “unnecessary red tape and regulation” making it easier for CSG exploration in Queensland.” Mr Katter said.
“CSG is almost completely foreign owned. It is just pipes and pumps. In five years when development is finished there is negligible jobs unlike coal mining,” Mr Katter said.
