what gives, page-16

Here's yet another article which clearly shows at least one reason why DERM are being so Scrupulous in accessing (UCG) as they were so quick to allow CSG to get the green light and now it's making money and there are so many "BIG" players invloved(Making things a little more difficult for the politicians to change their decisions) where as UCG at present is being viewed differerntly on the basis of it's still just a pilot project no real income loss for us (Goverment)etc... etc... Well in my view CSG is still a pilot project of sorts that just happens to have been given a green light possibley prematurely! (UCG is now paying for yet another Government blunder!!) Don't get me wrong I believe they have to be meticulous in doing their job properly but unfortunately I don't have any faith in their ability and epertise in this area. It wouldn't surprise me if half of their assements are being outsourced for this very reason!

Why CSG is no leap of faith
BY STEPHEN ROBERTSON, MINISTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES, MINING AND ENERGY AND TRADE
20 Sep, 2010 04:07 PM
THE Queensland Government is not asking landholders and communities to take an "extraordinary leap of faith" in relation to the coal seam gas (CSG) industry.

That was the view expressed by Queensland Country Life correspondent James Nason last week in his comment piece entitled: 'Evidence supports CSG bans'.

As the minister responsible for the CSG-LNG industry, I can categorically say Mr Nason's suggestion is well wide of the mark and the so-called 'evidence' does not exist.

In fact, the government is committed to assuring proposed CSG developments are rigorously assessed under some of the most stringent safety and environmental standards in the world.

It is essential that the environment and communities are protected as we strive for a fair and proper balance between the development of the CSG industry and the interests of landowners and others in the agriculture sector.

CSG companies will be subject to the highest level of environmental performance standards, set through environmental authorities, without which their projects will not get off the ground. Once operational, the companies will be subjected to extensive monitoring and reporting standards.

To ensure that the community is fully informed on the progress of the government's legislative and regulatory framework covering the CSG industry, we have just completed a series of community forums in South West Queensland.

These forums were attended by more than 500 landholders and community representatives.

After discussions with ministers, including myself, and other government representatives and experts, many left the forums more assured about the promising future the CSG industry can deliver to communities and the state as a whole.

In his article, Mr Nason suggests the Queensland Government is "finding ways to avoid biting the bullet and conducting the independent research that is clearly needed". This is wrong.

The government is currently in discussions with the University of Southern Queensland on the development of possible research projects which will assess the impacts of CSG production on underground water resources.


Cheers