Call to squeeze water trigger now

LOCK The Gate Alliance has called on the Federal Government to ensure 39 coal and gas projects are captured by the new water trigger in Federal environment laws before the September 7 election.

The new law, introduced in March, allows the impacts of proposed coal seam gas and large coal mining developments on water resources to be comprehensively assessed at a national level.

“The community applauded the passage of the water trigger bill through parliament in June, but are still waiting on a decision as to whether it will apply to many highly controversial coal and gas projects,” group spokeswoman Carmel Flint said.

“There is just one month to make sure that the water trigger applies to a swag of contentious projects that have

Carmel Flint: There is just one month to make sure that the water trigger applies to a swag of contentious projects

already submitted applications under Federal environment laws, or their impact on water resources will be completely ignored.”

The group’s own analysis showed the water trigger had been applied to only four out of 43 coal and gas projects likely to have significant impacts on water resources.

“The remaining 39 are hinging on an imminent decision from the minister,” Ms Flint said.

“Our food bowls on the Darling Downs and Liverpool Plains, thoroughbred horse studs in the Hunter Valley, the drinking water catchment of the Central Coast, and the Great Artesian Basin are all at risk from these proposals.

“We’re calling for the Federal Government to decide how the water trigger applies to these projects before the election, so that the Australian people are fully informed.

“We want the water trigger applied to all projects and further water studies conducted.

“We’re also calling for the Coalition to offer bipartisan support and commit to applying the water trigger to these projects should they win Government - its time they put farm water supplies and food security above a quick buck for mining giants.”