The National Farmers’ Federation and the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association have both thrown their support behind growing number of voices opposing Glencore subsidiary Carbon Transport and Story Company’s plans to capture waste CO2 from the Millmerran Power Station in Southern Queensland and compress the gas into liquid form, before transporting it 260km further west to Moonie.

CTSCo has recently completed its final Environmental Impact Statement and submitted to the Qld Government’s independent regulator, which is expecting to make a decision by February next year.

ALFA president Barb Madden said the fact the project is planned for Australia’s main lotfeeding area was a concern.

“58pc of Australian feedlots are situated in QLD, with a particular concentration of these on the Darling Downs, many of whom depend on the GAB for their cattle’s water supply,” Mrs Madden said.

“These businesses are dedicated to producing high-quality grain fed beef that contributes greatly to supporting the meat processing sector, beef exports and catering to consumers in both Australia and key export markets.”

Mrs Madden said a hydrologists assessments of the project have shown up too much risk for food production.

“While Glencore claims that the carbon dioxide waste is food grade, the potential impact on aquifer rock formations and leaching of heavy metals from increased groundwater acidity is a direct threat to the integrity, safety and security of food production,” Mrs Madden said.

“ALFA is not opposed to Carbon Storage science and the importance of addressing climate change. We are at the forefront of exploring new technology ourselves, such as methane reducing feed, to help address our changing climate. However, we steadfastly object to the injection of liquid carbon dioxide waste into any aquifer that is used for food production.”

NFF calls on Govt to reject proposal

NFF President David Jochinke called on the Queensland Government to reject this proposal to ensure the Great Artesian Basin was protected.