PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland government will appoint an independent ombudsman to work with landholders and gas companies on coal seam gas (CSG) industry issues.

State Development and Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said on Thursday that the new land access ombudsman was a central element of a revamp of the state’s GasFields Commission and CSG dispute resolution system.

The appointment follows the release of an independent review of the GasFields Commission, which recommended a re-focus of the functions of the commission to a more strategic level.

The review suggested that the commission should facilitate and maintain a relationship between landholders, regional communities and the onshore gas industry, and should develop a communication programme to help landholders become more informed and self reliant in relation to their legal rights.

The review also suggested that the commission should proactively monitor and publish data about formal interactions with CSG companies, government agencies and dispute resolution bodies, and should collect and publish data so that the growth of the onshore gas industry and its impact can be better understood.

“Our multibillion-dollar agriculture and liquefied natural gas industries need to continue to co-exist in and around our regional communities,” said Lynham.

“The new ombudsman will give landholders a trusted and independent decision-maker to resolve issues before they escalate into full blown legal disputes. As well, a more streamlined dispute resolution will be more cost-effective and efficient.
               
“Government will work with stakeholders, including the recently appointed President of the Land Court, to finalise legislative and regulatory changes to make this happen."

Lynham said that other reforms to the GasFields Commission would allow it to continue the work of building sustainable coexistence, but with what was now an ongoing and mature industry.

The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association CEO Dr Malcolm Roberts said the review confirmed the important role of the commission in promoting win-win solutions for regional communities and Queensland’s growing natural gas industry.

“The commission is a trusted, independent body which has helped the communication between communities, the industry and governments,” Roberts said. 

“The result has been better mutual understanding and cooperative work to maximise the benefits to local communities. It’s pleasing to see the commission will continue to serve regional communities in this capacity."

Roberts said that while the review’s recommendations would require assessment, Queensland was leading the way in showing how agriculture and natural gas could prosper alongside each other, to everyone’s benefit.

He said the Queensland approach was a model for any state that wished to grow its economy, generate new regional jobs, and ensure there was a reliable and affordable energy supply.