CSG Again....

The announcement today by the QLD State Government to protect those areas of Strategic Cropping Land from the impacts of coal mining has done a small amount to bolster industry confidence.
But the legislation as it stands does not consider the impacts of CSG mining as it to the best of my knowledge and understanding does not cover this technology. The legislature as it stands will protect some producers but others will be left out, with clauses like it only applying to land with a gradient of less than 3-5 degrees, which means producers particularly those in hilly areas will experience difficulties.

 More information on the SCL Policy and Maps: DERM                (http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/land/planning/strategic-cropping/index.html)

Interestingly I have noticed that the only areas that Have been mapped are those located directly inland from major borders and coastlines, leaving over % of the state unmapped and uncounted for. I think for this to be an all encompassing policy all areas need to be considered and mapped.

But I digress, a quote in today's ABC Rural Blog has revealed that today a new CSG company is setting up shop in the Richmond area. One fact that had me more than a little bit concerned came from the article regarding the potential or known impacts CSG will have on the Great Artesian Basin:

"A senior hydrologist said from the government that it could be 30 or 40 years before you know whether the water is contaminated in the Artesian Basin, due to the fact it's so big." 

Source: ABC Rural (http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201109/s3326487.htm)

This is somewhat concerning, as I can now see a large pattern of events evolving, namely that the Government seems to be gambling with the productivity and long term viability of its producers. This to me looks like one big science experiment, with the Government diving in rather gung ho with little regard for the consequences for its action. Yes I can see the CSG being a terrific money, jobs and resources boom for the state, but for how long? And at what cost? Have we got to see contamination of a major water aquifer before something is done? If a major catastrophe does occur will the companies and Government groups involved be willing to commit to a proper compensation package and to fixing the problem?