A comprehensive whole-of-government response is urgently needed to address the growing conflict between the booming resources sector and primary industries, with broadacre farm group AgForce outlining proposed solutions in a mining strategy document now with the Queensland Government.
AgForce president-elect John Cotter says significant improvements are required in government legislation and enforcement of issues arising from dealings with landholders during the earliest stages of exploration through to compensation and resumptions.
“This is a complex situation and government involvement is pivotal because of the oversight role key agencies play in terms of permits, licences, bonds, compliance – and because of inadequacies in regulations such as inappropriately small bonds and 10 days notice for exploration,” Mr Cotter says.
“Issues are handled under legislation which deals separately with petroleum and gas, coal, mineral resources and small miners and by various agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Mines and Energy.
“The inconsistent legislation and enforcement, and actions by individual companies and contractors within the resources sector, create friction with landholders.
Mr Cotter says AgForce is seeking better access to government information for landholders about their rights and resource-sector obligations, and assistance in negotiations with resource companies.
“Lack of access to independent information leads to unnecessary stress and conflict, which the State Government and the resources sector have a duty to avoid. Professional advice with negotiations between landholders and resource companies would avoid legal proceedings and reduce disparities.”
AgForce considers that as a minimum, a permanent position needs to be created to work with industry to provide producers with baseline information and assist with negotiations.
It supports an enforced legislative uniform code of conduct for the resources sector in dealing with primary producers covering petroleum and gas, mineral resources and small miners, instead of the various voluntary codes that are neither consistent nor enforced.
It seeks also the appointment of an Ombudsman because currently there is no agreed arbitrator outside the legal system to deal with disputes and complaints about enforcement from a government agency or resource company
Contacts: John Cotter on 0427 684 122 or vice president-elect Ian Burnett on 0416 294 418, or AgForce CEO Brett de Hayr on 0407 101 773. For further information, contact AgForce media’s Jane Milburn on 0408 787 964 or Lisa Yorkston on 0418 733 102
Toowoomba and Darling Downs political and social commentary. Print copies of this newsletter may be ordered from Toowoomba's Office Works, phone 4699-5300
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Hugh Bingham
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About Hugh Bingham
Bingham is a career journalist with experience in State and Federal politics. He has been Editor of the Sunday Truth, the Sydney Sunday Mirror, Associate Editor of the Sydney Daily Mirror, and has reported overseas for The Australian.
In retirement he turned farmer in the Felton Valley, near Toowoomba, breeding Appaloosas and winning best foal and filly at the 1992 State championships.
Now 80, Bingham takes a keen interest in current affairs, especially politics and social issues. Bingham has tutored U3A groups as diverse as poetry, memoir writing, and classical music.
In retirement he turned farmer in the Felton Valley, near Toowoomba, breeding Appaloosas and winning best foal and filly at the 1992 State championships.
Now 80, Bingham takes a keen interest in current affairs, especially politics and social issues. Bingham has tutored U3A groups as diverse as poetry, memoir writing, and classical music.
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