Arrow Energy, a coal seam gas company, has made the decision to withdraw plans for drilling wells on four cropping properties in the Springvale region, located north-west of Cecil Plains on the Darling Downs. This move comes after ongoing assessment by the Queensland Government, with Arrow confirming that only two lots will now be the site of deviated wells as part of a redesign process. Additionally, Arrow has also withdrawn another application that was filed in September 2021 to drill 11 CSG wells near Kupunn, a locality 15km south-west of Dalby. Despite these withdrawals, the company has indicated that a new application regarding the project may be submitted later this year.
The properties referenced in these applications are owned by Warakirri Asset Management and are part of its Myobie Aggregation. While Arrow Energy continues to maintain a presence in the area, the decision to withdraw plans for drilling on prime farmland has been celebrated by Springvale growers. One such farmer, Doug Browne, whose property is no longer affected by the planned CSG well, remains staunchly opposed to mining activities on his land and in the district.
Mr. Browne, along with other farmers and the advocacy group Lock the Gate Alliance, view this withdrawal as a significant victory in their campaign against CSG drilling on valuable farmland. They highlight that this is the first instance where a gas company has withdrawn an application in response to farmer opposition. Mr. Browne emphasized the importance of protecting the groundwater that sustains the district and hopes that their success will inspire other farmers across Australia to stand up against large corporations.
Two years ago, Mr. Browne and three other farming families initiated a joint campaign urging authorities to reject the application, citing concerns over land subsidence near existing CSG drill sites and potential risks to groundwater. In response to these concerns, an Arrow Energy spokesperson explained that the applications were initially lodged in 2021 and 2022, with the company making updates to the plans over time. Ultimately, the decision to withdraw the applications was made to provide clarity to landholders and stakeholders, with a commitment to consulting with the community should a new application be required in the future.
In addition to their victory, Mr. Browne and Lock the Gate Alliance are calling on the Queensland Government to enhance regulations to protect the Condamine Alluvium from future CSG drilling. The Liberal National Party, prior to the state election, pledged to amend the Regional Planning Interests Act 2014 to bolster protections on groundwater from resource projects. This legislation governs the impacts of resource and regulated activities on identified regional interest areas.
During a public event, Member for Condamine, Pat Weir, expressed concerns over the potential impacts of CSG drilling on the Condamine Alluvium and proposed amending the Regional Planning Interest Act to ensure resource companies prove they will not have a detrimental impact on the land. Lock the Gate Alliance spokesperson, Nick Holliday, emphasized the need for the Queensland Government to support farmers under threat from CSG activities and ensure thorough implementation of the promised changes to protect the Condamine Alluvium.
In conclusion, the withdrawal of Arrow Energy’s drilling plans on prime farmland in the Springvale region represents a significant victory for local growers and advocates. The decision underscores the power of community opposition in influencing corporate actions and government policies. Moving forward, continued efforts to protect valuable agricultural land and groundwater resources from the impacts of resource projects are essential to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of farming communities in Queensland.
