FARMERS say the Land Court's decision to reject the proposed expansion of the New Acland coal mine highlights the need for good quality science and planning regulations that protect the interests of landholders and ensure agriculture can continue in the long term.
AgForce president Grant Maudsley said the court's non-binding rejection of mining leases and environmental authorities associated with stage 3 of the New Acland coal mine was based on significant concerns about groundwater impacts and shortcomings in the current modelling.
"Primary producers want up-front certainty that their access to water will be secure and will not be interrupted or impaired by mining or gas sector activities," Mr Mausley said.
"This means having confidence that the risk to water assets are understood, that impacts are avoided in the first instance and that any residual impacts can be managed and 'made good'.
"There is no doubt that stage 3 of the New Acland coal mine, and indeed many resource projects, offer significant economic and employment opportunities for Queensland, but the potential benefits must be weighed against the potential risks.
"Today's Land Court decision gives credence to the concerns affected local landholders have raised for many years - that the groundwater impacts could be significant and could affect the long term viability of agricultural businesses in the area.”
Mr Maudsley said the decision validated AgForce's position that quality science, particularly groundwater studies, must be at the forefront of decision making, and in the absence of this, projects should not proceed until the impacts are known, accurately quantified and acceptable.
"It also highlights the need for industry and governments to listen and respond to the concerns of landholders and communities directly affected by or potentially affected by resource projects," he said.
LNP opposition deputy leader Deb Frecklington said she was extremely disappointed by reports the Land Court has recommended that the mining leases and environmental authority for the revised New Acland Stage 3 not be granted.
“In particular, I am very concerned for the nearly 800 employees and contractors, and their families, who today will be wondering if they will have a job beyond the end of 2017,” Ms Frecklington said.
“We must bear in mind that the Land Court decision is a recommendation and is not binding.
“Approval was given by the Federal Government in January this year. The final decision makers are the Palaszczcuk Labor Government and the ball is now firmly in their court.
“I call on them to back regional jobs and regional families when making their final decision on this important regional project.”
