Review of CSG-induced subsidence management framework
In April 2024 the Mineral and Energy Resources and Other Legislation Amendment (MEROLA) Bill 2024 was introduced to Queensland Parliament. The MEROLA Bill proposed implementing a coal seam gas (CSG)-induced subsidence management framework.
During the Parliamentary Committee process concerns were raised about the size of the Bill and that a consultation draft of the Bill was not released for public consultation before the Bill's introduction to Parliament.
In June 2024 the MEROLA Bill was passed by Parliament, however the framework was withdrawn. This was done to allow stakeholders more time to review it thoroughly and to ensure any potential unintended consequences are identified and addressed before it is reintroduced to Parliament.
The framework aims to effectively manage the impacts or predicted impacts of CSG-induced subsidence on agricultural land and promote coexistence between the resources and agricultural sectors. Development of the framework was informed by consultation in late 2023.
The proposed CSG-induced subsidence management framework(PDF, 774.4KB) has been drafted into legislation and will be included in a new Bill. It replicates what was withdrawn from the MEROLA Bill.
We invite you to provide feedback on the proposed framework.
You can make a submission here or by emailing ResourcesPolicy@resources.qld.gov.au.
Consultation closes at 5pm on 23 September 2024
If you recently made a submission to the Clean Economy Jobs, Resources and Transport Committee on the MEROLA Bill, you are welcome to submit this again or provide a new submission.
Further information
The following information may assist you in providing feedback:
- Our responses to concerns raised during the Clean Economy Jobs, Resources and Transport Committee inquiry into the MEROLA Bill
- Clean Economy Jobs, Resources and Transport Committee report on the MEROLA Bill.
- Review of CSG-induced subsidence
- The MEROLA Amendment Act explained
Additional tools and resources will also be available soon with further details on the proposed subsidence management framework. Please check back for updates.