Media Release: Environmental study gives tick to onshore gas development

The voice of the Australian oil and gas industry said a landmark four-year environmental study into onshore gas resource development in Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory shows that the resource can be developed safely.

APPEA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said the independent scientific studies were conducted in three geological basins: the Cooper Basin in Queensland and South Australia, the Isa Superbasin in Queensland and the Beetaloo Sub-basin in the Northern Territory.

“The scientific studies were carried out by some of Australia’s most respected science institutions and technical experts, including Australia’s national science agency CSIRO and Geoscience Australia, with support from the Bureau of Meteorology and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment,” Mr McConville said.

“The research was guided by user panels that included representatives from relevant local governments, natural resource management bodies, State Government, Traditional Owner groups, industry and other land user groups.

“The studies found that there were effective environmental safeguards available for all three basins. This is real world evidence that once again underscores that gas resource development in Australia is safe.

“Since 2011, 14 separate inquiries and investigations have been conducted in Australia into differing aspects of onshore gas activities. These inquiries and investigations have allowed governments to better understand the science and technology of onshore gas development, measure the potential social, health, safety, economic and environmental risks, and form recommendations around industry regulation and ensuring best practice into the future.”

Read the media release