- The Crisafulli Government's Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment Bill 2025 introduced to Parliament.
- Bill creates pathway to convert disused greenhouse gas wells into water bores for landholders.
- Legislation delivers certainty and water security for regional communities.
- Queenslanders have now seen 10 months of delivering under the Crisafulli Government, after 10 years of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering practical benefits for Queensland landholders with the introduction of the Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment Bill 2025.
The Bill creates a sensible pathway to repurpose six greenhouse gas storage wells into water supply bores for the landholders on whose properties they sit.
Importantly, the Bill does not alter the ban on greenhouse gas storage in the Great Artesian Basin.
The amendment is necessary because the former Labor Government failed to implement a proper plan for the decommissioning of greenhouse gas storage in the Great Artesian Basin, leaving landholders at risk of losing out on valuable water infrastructure.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the former Labor Government didn't consult with landholders or industry when it ended Carbon Transport and Storage Corporation's exploration permit.
"As the law currently stands, these wells would have to be plugged and abandoned, which means landholders would miss out entirely on a valuable water supply asset," Minister Last said.
"This Bill fixes Labor's mistake and ensures farmers get the benefit of a new water bore at no cost.
"Every landholder affected wants this change, which delivers long-term water security for grazing operations and local communities.
"Under this Bill, CTSCo will remain responsible for meeting all costs of either plugging and abandoning wells or safely converting them into water bores for transfer to landholders.
"This amendment is about providing certainty and delivering a lasting benefit for Queensland's farming families.
"The Crisafulli Government is backing regional landholders with real outcomes that make a difference on the ground."
