The expansion of the coal seam gas industry is firmly in the sights of freshly minted federal Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane, with NSW farmers the first to receive a visit from the Queensland MP.
Speaking to the ABC, Macfarlane said the development of Australia’s natural gas industry will be one of his first priorities and that he’ll be asking NSW farmers to rethink their opposition to the coal seam gas industry.
“I’m not interested in noisy protesters, minority groups, with no interest in the development of regional Australia and the economic progress of agriculture and mining together,” the Minister said.
Macfarlane said he plans to travel to NSW to explain to farmers how CSG and farming coexist in his home state of Queensland.
He may have better luck than most, as a former farmer himself and long-time political advocate for agricultural industry groups. Macfarlane was the President of the Queensland Graingrowers Association for seven years, President of the Grains Council of Australia for two years and also held executive positions on the Queensland and National Farmers Federations.
According to industry sources, so far over 4000 Queensland farmers have signed agreements with CSG companies allowing access to their lands.
If like to see Ian’s check in the mail. Must be good to sell out