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THE Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has supported community demands to delay mining in the Scenic Rim.
QTIC backs the Keep The Scenic Rim Scenic (KTSRS) community group, which requests that Arrow Energy postpones all coal-seam gas (CSG) exploration until underground water testing and community consultation has completed.
QTIC chairman Stephen Gregg (pictured) says preserving the ecosystem is in the best interests of business.
“Our tourism industry relies on our natural environment. QTIC knows the importance of protecting the environment and it’s a very important industry we co-exist with,” he says.
“The matter needs to be negotiated to ensure it’s a win-win solution for all. It makes perfect business sense to do so.”
Located one hour inland from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the Rim has long been an iconic tourist destination. However, more than 80 per cent of the shire is covered by exploration permits for coal and CSG.
KTSRS appeals for all drilling to stop until landowner bores have been tested, independent study results are released about interconnected water systems and proper community consultation has taken place.
“It would be in everyone’s interest to see that proper consultation goes on since the Scenic Rim’s value as an agricultural hub is undisputed and there is interest in developing property in the area,” says Gregg.
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