THE new Queensland GasFields Commission has strong potential to deal with the complex issues associated with coal seam gas (CSG) development in Queensland.
However, the Commission has had a turbulent beginning and there is an increasing risk that parts of the process are being rushed to meet what is generally considered to be an arbitrary start date of July 1.
Farmers and the public appreciate the new Government’s mandate for action – and know action is required – but not to the point where this risks policy shortcomings or a loss of faith in the process, which would be otherwise avoided from a more considered process.
Farmers and the community have been given just one month to provide feedback to the Commission, and this process is occurring concurrently with expressions of interest for people to sit as commissioners.
How can a stakeholder reasonably express an unqualified interest in sitting on the Commission when its form, functions, terms of reference and responsibilities are not yet known?
This would be like applying to be the director of a company that has no constitution, no track record, or no strategic plan.
Queensland Farmers Federation
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