Attendees heard with interest from GasFields Commission Queensland Chairman John Cotter, who has travelled more than 20,000 km around regional Queensland liaising with rural landholders and communities about the onshore gas industry, including those impacted by the CSG-to-LNG production and pipeline projects connecting the Surat Basin to Curtis Island in Gladstone.
Mr Cotter delivered an engaging address titled “Queensland’s energy highways – walking the line on community engagement”, and highlighted the important role that pipelines have played in creating energy highways in Queensland, particularly the three pipelines connecting the Surat Basin to Curtis Island in Gladstone.
He explained that pipelines are the vital link in the energy revolution, and this includes the way they engage with communities.
According to Mr Cotter, the recent Queensland experience has provided some important lessons on land access matters and landholder liaison for Australia’s growing natural gas and pipeline industries.
He highlighted the importance of including land access matters in the contractual agreement between proponent and contractor; and urged for greater transparency with affected landholders and communities along the pipeline easement. Finally, Mr Cotter reminded attendees about the lasting impact of energy highways well beyond their construction phase and exhorted the audience to consider the legacy that is created.
The event was proudly sponsored by GHD and Wasco.
For more detailed advice on dealing with land issues from GasFields Commission Queensland Chair John Cotter, turn to page 116.
