Wednesday, February 22

How to mend the CSG divide

Three little words strike fear into the heart of at least 40 per cent of Queenslanders: coal seam gas. These three seemingly innocuous words have managed to divide a state, and become the hottest topic in the Queensland election.

A poll published by The Australian earlier this week articulated what many have been thinking: 40 per cent of Queenslanders don’t support coal seam gas extraction (while 33 per cent do).

As for the rest… the jury is still out with the remaining 27 per cent. Should even half of those decide they’re not in favour then the majority of the Queensland population won’t support the extraction of CSG.

These statistics have an important message for Queensland politicians – the election may very well be decided on issues related to this highly controversial industry, worth $60 billion.

So what should the incoming Queensland government, whichever party that might be, do to increase community confidence in this energy source?

The community is up in arms because the Queensland government has granted petroleum leases over land owned by the community, especially farmers.


Climate Spectator

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