Senator the Hon Penny Wong
Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water
The Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP
Minister for Resources and Energy
Local communities in the Liverpool Plains will benefit from a new study into the potential impacts of proposed coal mining and coal seam gas extraction on the region’s water resources.
Minister for Water Senator Penny Wong and Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson today confirmed the Federal Government’s commitment of up to $1.5 million towards the study.
“The Federal Government understands local community concerns about the potential impacts of coal mining and coal seam gas extraction on local communities and water resources in the Liverpool Plains,” Senator Wong said.
“The study will provide valuable scientific information on the relationship between the region’s coal and gas reserves and its surface and groundwater resources.”
Minister Ferguson said information from the study will also be vital in helping the NSW Government assess mining proposals in the region.
“The study will help inform the NSW Government of the best ways to manage any potential impacts from mining on the region’s water resources and farming communities,” Mr Ferguson said.
“This will provide local communities with the confidence they need as the NSW Government’s mining assessment process gets underway.”
The study will cover surface and groundwater resources in the Liverpool Plains, including the Peel River and Mooki River, Maules Creek and Plan Creek.
In addition to Federal funding, a number of mining and gas exploration companies will provide $3 million towards the study.
The NSW Government’s Ministerial Oversight committee, chaired by Mr Mal Peters and with Commonwealth representation, has responsibility for the study and will draw on scientific and other expertise to ensure the study’s success.
Reports from the study will be made publicly available when completed. Information on the study’s progress is available at http://groups.google.com.au/group/namoi-catchment-water-study.