2008 Environment updates
Sue SlaterRLMS
The APPEA Journal 49(1) 527-540 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ08035
Published: 2009
Abstract
This paper provides a brief update on some of the key environmental issues that arose during 2008.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects dominated the referrals for petroleum related projects made under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 during the 2008 calendar year. The environmental aspects of these projects are summarised.
The focus of the Federal Government on policy and legislation to meet greenhouse gas abatement commitments in response to climate change has resulted in the development of a number of key policies that will impact on petroleum and gas developments. This has also been reflected in policy and legislation at State levels. The first reporting period for the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 started on 1 July 2008.
Carbon capture and storage capability is seen as an essential component of any low emission energy future. Legislation and policy need to be delivered in a timeframe to meet low emission deadlines, as this provides the framework for the implementation of technology. Key legislation was debated and delivered during 2008, but the administrative and regulatory framework is still in preparation. Several projects for which geosequestration is a key component are summarised.
Regulatory review has suggested that streamlining of approvals and removing duplication of approvals would decrease the significant delays some projects are experiencing. Regulation that is outcomes based rather than process driven and prescriptive will also facilitate more timely approval of projects.
Sue Slater is a full-time staff member of RLMS with respon¬sibility for various aspects of tenure management for several client companies, pipeline ap¬provals, and landowner liaison. Sue graduated from the Austra¬lian National University with a BSc majoring in geology in 1980. Since then she has completed further study at the University of Queensland and a Graduate Diploma in business administration from QUT. She has previously worked for the Geological Survey of Queensland, Department of Mines and Energy and Tipperary Oil and Gas (Australia) Pty Ltd. In these roles she has variously been responsible for technical assessment of petroleum tenure applications, preparation of annual reports, well completion reports, preparation of applica¬tions for various petroleum tenures, environmental reporting and compliance, tenure compliance, land management, well site assessment, well logging and geological evaluation. Sue has been on the Queensland/Northern Territory PESA committee since 2007. Member: PESA and QUPEX. sue.slater@rlms.com.au |
