The Queensland Government’s new online groundwater monitoring portal will provide detailed information to communities and government and ensure the coal seam gas industry’s environmental impact is mitigated.

The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) Chief Executive, Ms Belinda Robinson, said the new portal provides an open and transparent understanding of the industry’s water usage, monitoring, and analysis.

“The publishing of this data demonstrates the industry’s commitment to respond to landholder concerns and the industry expects the availability of this data will improve the community’s acceptance of our operations,” she said.

“Adverse impacts from CSG activities upon groundwater are very unlikely and manageable however extensive monitoring and analysis programs are being undertaken to establish baseline data and mitigate identified impacts.

“The industry supports processes and initiatives that acknowledge the ability of our agriculture and gas industries to co-exist and bring benefits and opportunities to Queensland.

“The industry understands its future is not just dependent upon its capacity to comply with strict regulation, but also the goodwill and support of the communities and landholders with which it works.

“Queensland coal seam gas producers are committed to growing a sustainable industry and will continue to work closely with government to provide the information required by regulators and affected communities to ensure risks of environmental impact are minimised.”