NSW Farmers President Fiona Simson has today welcomed a new water monitoring framework aimed at improving science-based evidence and transparency in the coal seam gas industry.
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The framework, announced today, aligns with key policy passed at NSW Farmers’ Annual Conference in July this year.
Ms Simson said NSW Farmers is pleased the state government has started the process of mapping underground water and developing baseline water profiles.
“It’s an excellent starting point, and the modern technology and software independently developed through NICTA appears promising.”
“Our membership base see this as a crucial and essential step in ensuring that the coal seam gas industry does not harm agricultural land and water. We have been highlighting the importance of comprehensive baseline water, soil and air studies in areas affected by exploration activities for some time.
“What’s important now is accessibility, transparency and reliability of data as well as a full understanding of the suite of testing to be undertaken.
“There’s no point having monitoring bores if the community aren’t aware of the information that is available, and if the data isn’t comprehensive enough, particularly as it relates to quality as well as consumptive use. We will want to make sure that those boxes are ticked.” Ms Simson said.
“We welcome these initial steps and will continue to advocate for an approach such as this to be taken across the state.”