The Federal Government has passed legislation that will establish the Independent Expert Scientific Committee that will provide advice on coal seam gas and large coal mining to the Government.

 

The bill to amend the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 will establish the Independent Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large coal Mining Developments.

 

Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, said that establishing the committee will ensure that governments will have access to the best scientific advice available when making decisions about coal seam gas and coal mining projects.

 

“The work of this committee will provide the community, landholders and industry with greater certainty about the decision making process for coal seam gas and large coal mining developments,” Mr Burke said.

 

“We have provided $150 million to establish the committee and fund scientific research on the potential water-related impacts of coal seam gas and large coal mining activities.

 

“A further $50 million has been provided to establish a new National Partnership Agreement with the states through COAG, under which the Commonwealth and states agree to take the Committee’s advice into account in their assessment and approvals decisions.

 

Mr Burke said he had taken on board suggestions about the composition of the new committee.

 

“The new committee will include a much broader range of expertise to cover the full spectrum of issues associated with the coal seam gas agenda, including health impacts,” he said.

 

“I will be making an announcement about the membership of the new committee shortly.”