An oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Image: Shutterstock.

RESIDENTS, landholders, businesses and community members across the Western Downs and Maranoa are invited to attend one of two free public information forums in early September to discuss potential oil and gas exploration in the region.

Hosted by Coexistence Queensland and the Queensland Government, in partnership with Western Downs Regional Council and Maranoa Regional Council, the Taroom Trough Information Forums will be held in Surat on Wednesday 2 September and Condamine on Thursday 3 September.

The forums are part of the Queensland Government’s work to prepare the Taroom Trough Development Plan; a whole-of-government initiative being led by the Office of the Coordinator-General. The Plan is being developed in consultation with local governments, industry and community stakeholders to help establish a shared vision for the region, provide clarity about future oil and gas development opportunities and infrastructure needs, and support informed decision-making for communities and investors.

Coexistence Queensland CEO Warwick Squire said the forums were designed to support informed conversations as interest in tight oil resources continues to grow.

“Communities deserve access to clear, factual information about what’s happening in their region, but they also deserve the opportunity to ask questions, raise local issues and share what’s important to them,” Mr Squire said.

“These forums are about bringing everyone into the same room so government, industry and the community can have informed, respectful conversations about the opportunities and considerations associated with future development.

“Whether you’re a landholder, businessowner or local resident, the forums will provide an opportunity to better understand what’s happening now and what may happen in the future.”

Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said the Taroom Trough Development Plan is to provide a strategic whole-of-basin framework to enable the orderly, efficient and responsible development of oil and gas resources within the Taroom Trough.

“The Taroom Trough is an important opportunity for Queensland’s fuel security, but it is equally important that local communities have access to clear information as planning progresses,” Mr Coggan said.

“The Plan will draw together technical information, planning and regulatory considerations and stakeholder input to create a shared understanding of potential future development pathways for the Taroom Trough.

“Community engagement is an important part of that work, and these forums will help ensure local perspectives are considered as the Plan is prepared.”

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Cr Andrew Smith said the Condamine forum would provide an important opportunity for local residents to hear directly from experts.

“The Western Downs has a proud history of supporting agriculture alongside the energy and resources sectors, and open communication is essential as our region continues to strengthen and evolve,” Cr Smith said.

“These forums give our community the opportunity to hear factual information, ask questions and better understand the opportunities and considerations associated with potential future development.”

Maranoa Regional Council Mayor Cr Wendy Taylor encouraged residents from across the Maranoa to attend the Surat forum.

“Access to reliable information is vital for regional communities as new opportunities emerge,” Cr Taylor said.

“These forums provide a valuable opportunity for our community to hear from government, industry and technical experts, ask questions and gain a better understanding of the planning processes that guide future development.”

Attendance is free, with refreshments and light supper provided.

• Online registration is preferred at cqld.org/forum. Community members can also learn more about the Taroom Trough Development Plan and the Queensland Government’s planning work for the region at Taroom Trough Development Plan | Office of the Coordinator-General.

Source: Coexistence Queensland