Different rules for farmers and miners confirmed

The Queensland Resources Council has confirmed a claim by rural lobby group Agforce that mining companies are treated differently from most farmers in the Fitzroy River Basin.

QRC Chief Executive Michael Roche said the difference was reflected in the regulation of mining company discharges to the environment, including recent overflows from water storages on the Ensham Resources mine site owing to heavy rainfall.

‘Unlike the vast majority of farming enterprises, mining companies and certain other businesses are regulated by law with respect to discharges they make into the environment,’ Mr Roche said.

‘In the case of Ensham Resources, had water storage overflows into the Nogoa River been attributed to the Ensham-owned Nogoa Pastoral Company instead of the mine, no reporting or monitoring would have been required.

‘Like all QRC members, Ensham takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and is transparent in its dealings with all relevant authorities and local communities.

‘Unfortunately, there is no regulatory control over misinformation finding its way into the media,’ he said.

Mr Roche said the 2007 Water Quality Report on Great Barrier Reef catchments published by the Queensland and Australian Governments pointed out that while mining was a major industry in reef catchments, it occupied relatively small areas.

In reference to the Fitzroy River Basin, the report stated: ‘Agricultural production is the dominant land use covering nearly 90 per cent of the region and includes horticultural crops, cotton, cereal grains, sheep and beef cattle.’

Agricultural industries regulated by the EPA for ‘environmental relevant activities’ currently include aquaculture, cattle feedlots, poultry and pig farms.

‘While it’s difficult to imagine Fitzroy farmers volunteering for additional regulation and licensing it certainly would provide regulators and local communities with a clearer picture of environmental conditions,’ Mr Roche said.

Media contact: Jim Devine (07) 3295 9560