ACCESS TO COMPENSATION

DESPITE Mr Houen’s claims (TC, 24/ 10), access to compensation has not changed for neighbouring landholders affected by resources activity.

I can assure readers of The Chronicle that recent legislative changes maintain access to compensation for resources activities that occur on their land through the Queensland Government’s Land Access Framework.

Environmental nuisance impacts from resources activities, such as noise, dust and light, are dealt with through environmental authority conditions and alternative arrangements. Neighbouring landholders who are affected by these impacts may be entitled to compensation through an alternative arrangement. The laws passed by the Queensland Parliament on October did not change this situation.

When the Parliamentary Committee first looked at the then-proposed changes, a few stakeholders, including the Queensland Law Society, raised compensation as a concern.

I note that in their latest submission to the Parliamentary Committee reviewing this Bill, the Queensland Law Society stated that they were satisfied with the policy intention regarding the effect and history of the provision in question.

Landholders who are still uncertain about their rights with regard to resource activity should contact DNRME for assistance. ANTHONY LYNHAM, Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy