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Coal Seam Gas Exploration For Bass Coast?

Leichhardt Resources Pty Ltd lodged an application for an exploration licence in Bass Coast with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) last week.

By Bass Coast - 28th February 2012 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, said Council was informed the company wanted to explore for Coal Bed Methane, better known as Coal Seam Gas, and Brown or Black Coal.

"We have been in contact with DPI since last year, working to raise awareness of the issue of Coal Seam Gas," said Mr Bawden.

"In fact, staff are currently in discussions with the Department about setting up a system to ensure that we are notified as soon as any application is lodged. That system has not been finalised, but we are very pleased that DPI provided us with information about this particular application. There is only limited information available at this stage, but we do know area covered by the licence runs from South of Wonthaggi through to Pound Creek and into South Gippsland. It also includes an area north of the Highway (refer map - PDF 334kb).

"This is the first step in a process. DPI should respond to the request within seven to 14 days," explained Mr Bawden.

"Leichhardt Resources then has 14 days to put the application on notification. The application has to be advertised in a newspaper circulating in the area of the proposed licence, and a Wednesday edition of a newspaper circulating generally throughout Victoria. It is at this point that Council and the community will have the opportunity to make a submission and raise any concerns we might have about such a licence being granted."

Mr Bawden said that once an application has been advertised, there are 21 days to lodge a submission.

"We are aware of the community concerns about the impact of Coal Seam Gas on agricultural land and on the water table. If this application does go ahead, Councillors will be briefed at the earliest opportunity. Council will then prepare a submission and we certainly encourage anyone with concerns about the proposal to do the same."

Coal Seam Gas Awareness

"We organised a special briefing in November 2011 and invited DPI to attend. Almost 200 people came along to listen to presentations from DPI staff, ranging from the technical side of the mining process through to environmental impacts. At the February 2012 meeting, Council moved a motion to set up a system to ensure that our community was informed whenever an application for a licence was lodged with DPI. Obviously that was very timely and we will continue to work with DPI to get that system in place. We believe there needs to be a better notification process to engage the community in this."

Mr Bawden confirmed that Leichhardt Resources Pty Ltd already had a neighbouring licence in this area.

"The company website, www.leichhardtresources.com.au, says they have five mining leases across New South Wales and Victoria. This licence would be their sixth."

DPI advised that it generally takes between 12-14 weeks to process licence applications.

"At this stage, we have no further information, but if this licence application goes ahead, we will make sure the community has all the relevant details," assured Mr Bawden.

"It is also important to understand that this is an exploration licence only. If the company wanted to mine or extract gas, they would need a special licence. They would need to go through another formal process which would require government approval as well as a planning permit and EPA works approval."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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