Decision Impact Analysis Statement for LEB

The Kati-Thanda Lake Eyre system is of outstanding ecological and cultural significance from a national and global perspective. The Queensland Lake Eyre Basin (Qld LEB) contains among the last remaining, largely intact and free-flowing arid river systems in the world. The clean flows of the Georgina, Diamantina and Cooper support a wide range of unique surface water dependent ecosystems – including 33 wetlands of national importance - and unique biodiversity along their courses. The river systems have extensive First Nations cultural significance and are also critical to other major industries in the region, including organic grazing and tourism, and regional communities in the Qld LEB. The impact of gas and oil extraction on the floodplains has been a longstanding and major concern raised by Traditional Owners, conservation groups, graziers, scientists and others. There is particular concern about the ability of the current regulatory system to manage the cumulative impacts of development and notably, the surface infrastructure and greater risks of surface and groundwater contamination associated with hydraulic fracturing for deep, unconventional gas. Development has the potential to disrupt flows, fragment landscapes and cause irreversible impacts on water sources crucial to ecological functions and other key industries in the regions. Whilst the current regulatory approach incorporates spatially-specific regulatory prohibitions for open cut mining, dams and irrigated cropping in the Designated Precinct (DP) rivers/floodplains areas, it is silent on gas and oil in these sensitive areas. The Consultation RIS was released on 2 June 2023 for 12 weeks consultation. This was supported by the provision of online mapping tools and information, a series of stakeholder briefings, and a series of community meetings in the Qld LEB region.