Queensland Conservation 166 Ann St, Brisbane, QLD 4000
ABN: 89 717 887 219
Ph: 07 3221 0188
Fax: 07 3229 7992
reception@qccqld.org.au
For Immediate Release 22 October 2010
QCC Calls for Moratorium on Coal Seam Gas Exploration
BTEX chemicals (benzene, toluene, ethylene and xylene) have been detected in 8
exploration wells run by Australia Pacific LNG in the Surat Basin
This incident follows contamination from the Cougar UCG plant in Kingaroy. It follows
warnings from the Coordinator-General who commented (on another LNG plant) in
June that:
‘(The Santos LNG proposal) has the potential to result in widespread, irreversible and
serious environmental harm….’
In July environment groups and concerned landholders rallied outside Parliament
and called for a prohibition on new coal mining and coal seam gas extraction on
cropping lands, in proximity to towns, areas of high ecological value and adjacent to
Protected Areas
The concerned organisations specifically urged a moratorium on all LNG
operations until all social and environmental issues are resolved.
These calls gained the support of all Independents in the Queensland Parliament but
not the support of the ALP or the LNP.
This Friday Commonwealth Environment Minister Tony Burke is expected to
announce his decision on approvals for the Santos LNG in the Surat Basin.
‘The Queensland Government has charged headlong into supporting fossil fuel
explorations without properly assessing the social and environmental costs. Its time
to stop the madness and put a halt on exploration until safeguard can be guaranteed,
said Toby Hutcheon,’ Executive Director of Queensland Conservation
For More Information: Toby Hutcheon 3221 0188/0417 664 503
For media Interviews: Drew Hutton 0428 487 110
Media Release
The expansion of the fossil fuel industry in Queensland is
threatening agriculture, food security, groundwater and the
environment. It is increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Farmers and environmentalists are calling for a new approach to
Queensland’s future. Queensland must remove its support for
industries that pollute. We need a Government prepared to act for
a clean and sustainable Queensland.
Clean energy and sustainable agriculture are the heart and soul
of a sustainable Queensland.
As a first step to a more sustainable Queensland, we want:
A ban on underground coal gasification
NEWS 
