Class action over Linc approvals continues

A CLASS action against the State Government over its approval and monitoring of the Linc Energy underground coal gasification project is progressing, despite a recent announcement by the Department of Environment and Science removing the Excavation Caution Zone, and Investigation Zone around the site.

The department removed the zones from its official mapping in January, due to recent testing showing a decline in the level of hazardous gases in the soil.

At the same time, the department has recommended landholders adhere to the same cautions around digging outlined when the zones were designated.

Linc Energy is currently on trial on five counts of wilfully and unlawfully causing environmental harm at its Linc Energy UCG trial site in Hopeland, near Chinchilla, between 2007 and 2013.

Tom Marland, principal of Marland Law, who represents landholders already affected by the ECZ at Hopelands and Kogan, said that the most recent announcement just added to landholders’ confusion.

Mr Marland said the department had allowed Linc to burn coal seams at shallow depths of about 120 metres over a period of more than seven years without any proper regulatory supervision.

“Given that the ECZ has been lifted but the same “cautionary advice” applies to affected lands, this may give you some insight that contrary to their actions in removing the ECZs the Department does not have the problem under control.”

A Department of Environment and Science spokesman said the department was “unable to comment” on the matter.