The recent decision by Queensland’s environmental regulator to reject a carbon capture and storage (CCS) proposal for the Great Artesian Basin is a major victory for local communities.
This move has been hailed as essential for protecting the liveability of large parts of Queensland, ensuring the sustainability of rural areas reliant on this crucial water source.
A Unified Stand
Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Alison Smith highlighted the widespread support for this decision, noting that the need to protect the Great Artesian Basin has united councils, farmers, and conservationists across the state.
“The decision to reject the CCS proposal is a testament to the collective effort to safeguard this precious natural asset,” she said.
Queensland mayors have been vocal in their opposition to the proposal, emphasising the importance of the Basin to their communities.
Murweh Shire Mayor Shaun Radnedge stated, “We need decision-makers to show common sense and protect the Great Artesian Basin for all the communities that rely on it.”
The Lifeblood of Queensland
The Great Artesian Basin is vital for many Queensland communities, providing potable water and supporting agricultural production. As Blackall-Tambo Regional Shire Mayor Andrew Martin pointed out, “If you poison our well, we can’t drink it—60 percent of Queensland’s land mass relies on this water source.”
Calls for Legislative Protection
Several mayors have called for a moratorium to prevent future CCS proposals from threatening the Basin.
Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett stressed the importance of safeguarding the Basin while transitioning to renewable energy, and Longreach Regional Council Mayor Tony Rayner labelled the Basin as “our lifeblood,” urging immediate legislative action.
Future Generations
Ensuring the longevity of the Great Artesian Basin is critical for future generations. Maranoa Regional Council Deputy Mayor Cameron O’Neil noted that his community is entirely reliant on the Basin for potable water.
Protecting the Great Artesian Basin is not just about preserving a natural resource, but also about securing the future of numerous Queensland communities.
