Scoping Study - Mining and Coal Seam Gas Development

To better inform the acquisition of data required to facilitate:

Goal 1: Promote the sustainable management of the region’s natural resources and environment.

as identified in the RDA DD&SW Roadmap, RDA DD&SW commissioned Parsons Brinckerhoff to complete a desktop study that would provide information that could be used by all levels of government and key stakeholder groups within the region to better inform debate and policy decision making in relation to the resource development occurring within our region.

The key project driver for this study are the questions being raised by a cross section of stakeholders within the region with regard to the large amount of mining exploration and resource development occurring within the geographic boundaries of the Committee’s area of responsibility. Resource development has raised concerns within the community regarding the social, environmental and economic impact on the region as a whole. In particular the Committee has had feedback from a significant number of concerned groups within the region about the potential impact of resource extraction activity on the regional economy and services. To address this concern objectively, the Committee engaged Parsons Brinckerhoff to collect technically robust research that can be submitted to assist with informing government decision-making regarding the issuing of a permits to prospect in an area.

The second key element of this study is to document the processes utilised to inform the allocation of funds by resource development companies that arises from the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Social Impact Management Plans (SIMP). The objective of this element of the study is to better inform the Committee so that it can provide feedback to the Commonwealth, consistent with its Charter, regarding the opportunities in the region that will realise the most effective return on government funding and to provide a robust reference to stakeholder groups who are unclear of he processes followed.

Action: The report was launched by the CEO at the Surat Basin Conference in September and was well received. As a result of interest in the report, we have now been contacted by three resource companies to assist with input into EIS and SIMP determinations. Also, after collective discussions with the Qld Co-ordinator General’s department and the DD & SW Regional Manager’s Coordination Network, we are seeking formal assistance for RDA, DEEWR and all State government departments to be involved in SIMP determinations so that a more effective and coordinated approach is adopted across the region.

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