PDC: CSG working group

This Working Group (WG) was established by the Policy Development Committee (PDC) on 28 January 2013.

Working group report
This working group was tasked with developing policy relating to reducing damage caused by Coal Seam Gas mining. The working group was chaired by Mark Gibbons, and presented the following policy text to the 6 February PDC meeting.

Recommendation
As per the MAUT decision table for the CSG Policy Working Group, this working group recommends the adoption of a ban on CSG mining.

Preamble
Pirate Party Australia proposes a ban on coal seam gas extraction due to the uncertainties surrounding the impact of extraction methods on our reserves of clean drinking water, our environment, and our food security. We consider the current risks far outweigh any potential economic benefit. The scope of the threat to waterways and groundwater is particularly poorly understood, and instances have already come to light of previously unforeseen impacts[1]. In addition, CSG extraction carries a potential for significant fugitive emissions leaks, which reduces the effectiveness of the carbon tax and undermines the purported benefit of lower greenhouse gas emissions[2]. CSG mining also imposes a permanent risk on farmers already operating under difficult conditions. The undermining of farmers rights to exercise control over productive farmland represents a threat to an essential pillar of Australia's food security. Until our understanding improves, CSG mining must be subject to an onus of proof given the potential for significant unforeseen damage. We believe that a ban is necessary until technology improves and a strong scientific case can be made for the safety of this practice.

[1]: http://coalseamgasnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Contaminated-sites-and-accidents-related-specifically-to-CSG-in-Australia.pdf [2]: https://www.tai.org.au/index.php?act=display&pubid=1032&q=node%2F19

Policy text
Institute an immediate ban on the extraction of Coal Seam Gas through hydraulic fracturing. '''Got feedback or suggestions? Send us an email at policydev@pirateparty.org.au.'''
 * This ban will apply to all new mines.
 * All mines operating in metropolitan areas or where permission is withheld by the landholder will be closed. A fund will be established to cover compensation in instances where access was previously officially sanctioned.
 * After ten years, an independent panel will review available scientific evidence and present recommendations to the Government on the scientific case for lifting or modifying the ban.
 * Farmers will be granted a new right in perpetuity to refuse exploitation of coal seam gas deposits on land they own.

[| MAUT table link]

Meeting Schedule
This work group has concluded the drafting process and no further meetings are currently scheduled.

Previous Minutes
Meeting held 8:00PM, 4 February 2013