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Australian Energy Producers Journal Australian Energy Producers Journal Society
Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)

A unique approach to community engagement: a GasFields Queensland Commission perspective

Colin Cassidy
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GasFields Commission Queensland, PO Box 15266, City East, Qld 4002, Australia. Email: colin.cassidy@gfcq.org.au

The APPEA Journal 60(2) 413-416 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ19124
Accepted: 10 April 2020   Published: 15 May 2020

Abstract

The Queensland coal seam gas (CSG) industry provides a unique and valuable case study on coexistence and community engagement. The introduction of a new industry sector in the traditionally agricultural landscape, and its rapid expansion, created friction in the communities within which it operated. At the core of the Queensland Government’s response to the significant landholder and community concerns about the gas industry was the establishment of the GasFields Commission as an independent statutory body. The purpose of the Commission is to manage and improve the sustainable coexistence of landholders, regional communities and the onshore gas industry in Queensland. The Commission is not alone in this mission, but it is unique in being able to operate at ‘arm’s length’ from government to facilitate better stakeholder relationships, review the effectiveness of government entities in implementing regulatory frameworks and provide advice to government and stakeholders on coexistence matters and leading practice. The GasFields Commission operates as part of a bigger ecosystem of government regulators, local governments, judicial and other dispute resolution bodies, gas companies, peaks and advocacy groups, all undertaking community engagement. By adapting its communications and engagement approach to changing stakeholder needs as the CSG industry continues to mature over time and working collaboratively with other entities, the Commission has played, and continues to play, an important role in improving sustainable coexistence and continues to support Queensland’s CSG and agricultural sectors; two world-leading and important industry sectors that together drive thriving regional communities in Queensland.

Keywords: coal seam gas, collaboration, communication, government, independent, sustainable coexistence, stakeholder engagement.

Colin Cassidy PSM is a senior executive with almost 40 years of senior leadership experience in a diverse range of roles at both state and local government. He has successfully led the development and delivery of complex and sensitive economic, social and environmental legislative and policy projects, programs and initiatives as well as structural and cultural-change reforms. He was appointed Acting CEO of the GasFields Commission on 11 November 2019. He holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) and Bachelor of Science from the University of Queensland and a Master of Science (Environmental Studies) from Griffith University.


References

GasFields Commission Queensland (GFCQ) (2017). On New Ground. Lessons from development of the world’s first export coal seam gas industry. June 2017. Available at https://gasfieldscommision.worldsecuresystems.com/resources/documents/Report%20Learnings_%20FINAL.PDF [verified 16 April 2020].

GasFields Commission Queensland (GFCQ) (2014). GasFields Commission annual report 2013–14.

Queensland Audit Office (QAO) (2020). Managing coal seam gas activities in Queensland. Report to Parliament, State of Queensland. Available at https://www.qao.qld.gov.au/reports-resources/reports-parliament/managing-coal-seam-gas-activities [verified 16 April 2020].

Scott, R. P. (2016). Independent review of the GasFields Commission Queensland and associated matters. July 2016. Available at https://cabinet.qld.gov.au/documents/2016/Oct/RevGasComm/Attachments/Report.PDF [verified 16 April 2020].