I am writing to call on you to protect the free-flowing rivers of the Lake Eyre Basin and the floodplains of the Channel Country by excluding unconventional gas activities from these sensitive areas. I am alarmed that Origin Energy have submitted a large scale gas production application for the Channel Country, including sensitive floodplain areas. I urge you to support strengthening legislative protections as a matter of priority in this term of government and to place a hold on all new gas related approvals within the river and floodplain areas of the Lake Eyre Basin until this important matter is resolved. 

The Channel Country is one of Queensland’s most iconic natural places and among our greatest natural assets. These rivers are among the last free flowing desert rivers on Earth. The wetlands and water holes of the rivers and floodplains support an abundance of significant birdlife and other wildlife. The floodplains provide rich natural pastures for a thriving grazing industry and spectacular vistas supporting a growing tourism industry. The rich and ongoing cultural connection First Nations peoples have to these waterways is invaluable and should not be compromised.

I stand with the Traditional Owners, local community members, and expert scientists calling for stronger protection of this river system from unconventional gas fracking.

The rivers and floodplains of the Channel Country are no place for industrial gas fracking fields. Unconventional gas mining (such as coal seam, tight, and shale gas) is expanding and intensifying in the Lake Eyre Basin placing the future of these free flowing rivers at risk.

The Palaszczuk Government has repeatedly promised to implement stronger protection of Channel Country rivers and floodplains. However new applications for gas exploration across these areas continue to be approved. I urge you to immediately place a hold on any new approvals for gas exploration and production until permanent protections are in place. 

Will you put Queenslanders and our nature first by clearly excluding unconventional gas activities from the rivers of the Lake Eyre Basin and the floodplains of the Channel Country?