Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), Media Release, 9 April 2024
With an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) decision for Glencore’s proposed carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) expected to be handed down in early May, community, environmental groups and industry remain united in calling on the Queensland government to reject the proposal.
On Friday, 5 April, QFF led a delegation alongside the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and the Queensland Conservation Council to meet with the Queensland Premier the Hon Steven Miles to show a united front and express the collective grave concerns regarding the proposed project. The delegation also included five Mayors from regional Queensland and representatives from peak agricultural industry and environmental groups.
As part of the delegation QFF presented 1500 signatures from members of the public calling on the Premier to reject the project and to also protect the GAB from future CCS bids. They join leading bodies representing agriculture, local government and the conservation movement in requesting the Queensland government to make the right call on what will be a landmark decision for future generations.
The delegation submitted to the Premier that in the absence of Federal Government policy on this matter, the Queensland Government has the opportunity to play a critical role in responding to the concerns of its constituents and protecting the Queensland component of the Great Artesian Basin.
“The Queensland Government can step in and play a role here and show clear leadership in taking the first steps to resolve what is an incredibly serious issue,” QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said.
“The delegation had a clear request of the Premier and the Queensland Government. Reject the proposed carbon capture and storage (CCS) project planned for the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) and, in the absence of federal policy on this matter, put in place regulations to stop future CCS proposals into water aquifers in the Queensland component of the GAB.”
The Landline segment that went to air on the weekend, illustrated the widespread concern regarding this proposal and CCS in the GAB more broadly with farmers, peak bodies, technical experts and the Queensland Minister for Water all expressing their concerns.
Individuals can add their voice to the campaign to protect the GAB by pledging their support to oppose CCS in the GAB here.
