'We will shut you down', LNP vows

THE state opposition LNP has vowed to shut down resources projects that fail to meet strict environmental standards.

Speaking in State Parliament today, LNP Shadow Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Jeff Seeney said the LNP remained supportive of the resources industry, but any breach of regulations would result in swift action.

“The LNP supported the State Government’s decision to shut down the Cougar Energy project in Kingaroy, and we would support similar action against any other company that doesn’t meet the appropriate standards,” he said.

“The LNP recognises and values the investment, jobs and business opportunities that flow from major resources projects.

“However, the LNP’s tolerance for misbehaviour by the resources industry is becoming smaller as the queue of projects becomes longer.

“The resources industry needs to understand that if the LNP is elected, any projects that fail to meet environmental standards will be shut down.”

Landowners in the Goomburra Valley north of Warwick were concerned late last year about plans by another resource company, Clean Global Energy, to start test drilling for underground coal deposits in the area.

Any trial would have used the same technology as that used by Cougar Energy at Kingaroy, which allowed toxic chemicals to enter the underground water supply.

Drilling was halted by a State Government moratorium which remains in place indefinitely, pending assessment of the Cougar trial and two others elsewhere in the state.

Mr Seeney today blasted gas companies for their refusal to address problems raised in media reports and their failure to explain their actions.

“The LNP will shut down projects that don’t treat our communities and landholders with due respect,” he said.

“The people of Queensland own the gas. It is a huge resource. It is an energy source of world standards. We contract companies like British Gas to extract that gas on our behalf.

“If they don’t do it properly, if they don’t take the responsibility they have to Queenslanders seriously, then we will shut them down.”