The Queensland Government has called for community input on the role and membership of the new GasFields Commission.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Government was establishing the GasFields Commission to better manage the coexistence between landholders, regional communities and the coal seam gas industry in Queensland.

“Industry and community groups and members of the public have a real opportunity to provide input into who should be represented on the Commission and what powers it should consider,” Mr Seeney said.

Mr Seeney appointed Mr John Cotter as Chairman last month and submissions from the public can be made directly to the Chairman.

He said the Commission would be based in Toowoomba with a statewide focus.

“The Commission will be formed as a statutory body under legislation to make sure we get the right balance in place between landholders, local governments and the industry itself,” Mr Seeney said.

“It will give local communities a more direct voice into government and ensure programs and services match the priorities in those areas affected by CSG operations.

“A number of skills-based commissioners will be appointed to advise and assist the Commission in carrying out its work with government, industry and communities affected.


“The Commission will be in close contact with the community and key organisations over the coming weeks and months to ensure concerns and issues about the industry’s expansion are properly addressed from the ground up.”

Feedback and suggestions about the role and functions of the commission must be made in writing directly to the Chairman and ideally limited to two to three pages with the author’s name and contact details clearly marked.

The Chairman of the GasFields Commission is also taking expressions of interest from people who wish to nominate to become a commissioner.

Commissioners need to be available at least one day each month, with potential for out-of-session work commitments.

Skills sought from interested persons include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
• land management and landholder negotiations
• land valuation
• CSG industry operations
• community development
• legal experience with CSG issues
• financial and business sector experience.

To register interest in becoming a commissioner, submit a resume (marked confidential) either by email or post. Submissions close Friday 25 May 2012.

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mail submissions to the Chairman, GasFields Commission, PO Box 102, Toowoomba, 4350, Queensland.

For more information visit www.csg-lng.industry.qld.gov.au