Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC), Media Release, 9 April 2024

It’s a resounding no from leaders across Western Queensland to proposed plans to inject industrial waste into the Great Artesian Basin – one of Queensland and Australia’s most significant natural and economic assets.

The 24 member councils of Western Queensland, covering more than 60 per cent of the state, unanimously agree in their opposition to the proposal for foreign-owned mining giant Glencore to undertake an injection test of 330,000 tonnes of liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) over three years into the Great Artesian Basin (GAB).

With contested science, the extreme risks and potential consequences to the GAB and those who rely on it, the WQAC fully supports the calls of rural sector peak bodies, such as the Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF), AgForce Queensland Farmers Limited, Australian Lot Feeder’s Association and Cotton Australia as well as landholders, for the State Government not to grant approval to proceed with the trial.

WQAC members have expressed alarm that such a proposal would even be considered.

Longreach Region Mayor, Tony Rayner, Chair of the CWQ Remote Area Planning and Development Board said:

“It is beyond belief that something like this would be considered – gambling with the lifeblood of Queensland’s regional and remote communities, industry and economy and beyond.

“In our region, from the Gulf to the New South Wales border, the GAB supports thousands of people and helps drive the billions of dollars through our industries and supports many vulnerable communities that rely on it for reliable, clean water.”

Balonne Shire Mayor, Samantha O’Toole, Chair of the South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils said:

“The councils of the west are acutely aware of the international, Australian and State-based initiatives to achieve net zero targets by 2050, as well the trials and feasibility studies underway, and are actively engaged in Queensland’s Energy and Jobs Plan.

“We also acknowledge that this kind of process is emerging globally as a potential tool to lower emissions. However, amongst various red flags most notable is from QFF research that indicates the application of this process within a usable water resource is unprecedented. The GAB is simply too precious to act as a test case in these untested circumstances.”

Carpentaria Shire Mayor, Jack Bawden, Chair of the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils said:

“The injection of industrial waste into a usable water resource such as the GAB is extremely alarming and should be for all Australians given its significance to vast areas of country, its communities, its food supply and economy.

“To do so would at least be irresponsible and perhaps even fool hardy. Such an action in not worth the risk with one of Queensland and Australia’s most significant natural and economic assets no less important than the Great Barrier Reef.”