Scenic Rim celebrates withdrawal of permits for coal seam gas exploration

Minister for Resources Scott Stewart MP and Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen in Beaudesert.

Two tenements to explore the operation of coal seam gas in the Scenic Rim have been withdrawn following a Ministerial announcement this morning.

Minister for Resources Scott Stewart advised company Arrow Energy has withdrawn its application to renew the permits to explore coal seam gas just outside of Beaudesert.

The announcement comes after Arrow Energy's ten year campaign encountered opposition from locals across the Scenic Rim in a bid to halt the exploration.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the withdrawal is a huge win for the region and ensures that the natural beauty of the area remains unharmed.

"I am proud and excited today to relay that this announcement is a show of great support for our community; there will be no exploration of coal seam gas in the region.

"We value the direct engagement of the Minister in visiting the region recently, where he gained a first-hand understanding of the widespread areas across the region that would have been affected had the exploration gone ahead.

"I am sure that I speak on behalf of our entire community in sharing our appreciation for the positive approach Minister Stewart has taken. I would also like to recognise Arrow Energy for formally withdrawing from their leases.

"The tenements for the potential exploration areas had the potential to drastically affect our urban water supply and local waterways and wetlands, and our regulated vegetation and areas of both Local and State Environmental Significance.

"Our priorities revolve around our stunning environmental precincts, including six significant National Parks, our high performing agricultural precincts and our unique network of characterful communities. Our acknowledgement as a world recognised destination is based on these foundations.

"I look forward to the conversations to follow today's announcement, but most importantly, to celebrating having the weight of a significant risk lifted from the shoulders of our community. We can now continue to pursue our very best future with confidence."