In addition to the coal seam gas development statement in our Primary Production plan, The Nationals will develop special provisions for the development of minerals and petroleum projects as they relate to the principles of the National Water Initiative (NWI). We will clarify the circumstances under which clause 34 of the NWI applies, so that water quality issues arising from coal seam gas developments are properly evaluated under the national water planning processes. The Nationals support research to improve our knowledge of Australia’s groundwater resources, particularly the impact of the coal seam gas industry on the Great Artesian Basin, which was the focus of the Independent Expert Scientiﬁc Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Coal Mining.
positive towards policies for agriculture and farmers