16 September 2025
The Secretariat
Primary Industries and Resources Committee
Parliament House
George Street
BRISBANE QLD 4000
Email: PIRC@parliament.qld.gov.au
To Whom It May Concern,
RE: AgForce Queensland Farmers Ltd Submission to the Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment Bill 2025
AgForce Queensland Farmers Limited (AgForce) is a peak organisation representing Queensland’s cane, cattle, grain and sheep, wool & goat producers. The cane, beef, broadacre cropping and sheep, wool & goat industries in Queensland generated around $11.2 billion in on-farm value of production in 2022-23. AgForce’s purpose is to advance sustainable agribusiness and strives to ensure the long-term growth, viability, competitiveness and profitability of these industries. Over 6,000 farmers, individuals and businesses provide support to AgForce through membership. Our members own and manage around 55 million hectares, or a third of the state’s land area. Queensland producers provide high-quality food and fibre to Australian and overseas consumers, contribute significantly to the social fabric of regional, rural and remote communities, as well as deliver stewardship of the state’s natural environment.
AgForce supports the Amendment Bill to the Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2009 and notes in particular the inclusion of Chapter 8, Part 8. This amendment provides an important legislative pathway to address legacy gas wells and offers a mechanism for their rehabilitation and potential repurposing for community benefit. The amendments strengthen the accountability of operators while also recognising opportunities for productive landholder outcomes.
AgForce acknowledges the gas wells managed by Carbon Transport and Storage Company (CTSCo) within the geographical area identified under Permit EPQ10. AgForce agrees with the proposal for these wells to be rehabilitated and converted to water supply infrastructure for landholder use, where possible.
Water is a critical and finite resource for Queensland’s agricultural enterprises. The conversion of rehabilitated wells into water supply bores offers an innovative and constructive use of infrastructure that would otherwise be decommissioned. This outcome aligns with AgForce’s policy objectives of supporting resource security and delivering
tangible benefits to rural and regional communities.
AgForce emphasises that all costs associated with the rehabilitation of gas wells and their subsequent conversion to landholder water supply infrastructure must be borne by CTSCo. This is consistent with the long-standing principle of “polluter pays” and reflects the responsibility of the company as the operator.
In summary, AgForce:
- Supports the Amendment Bill to the Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2009, including the insertion of Chapter 8, Part 8.
- Agrees to the rehabilitation and conversion of CTSCo gas wells within Permit EPQ10 to water supply bores for landholder use.
- Seeks assurance that CTSCo bears full financial responsibility for rehabilitation and conversion costs.
AgForce appreciates the opportunity to comment on this important legislative reform. We look forward to ongoing engagement with the Queensland Government to ensure practical and beneficial outcomes for landholders, regional communities, and industry stakeholders.
Sincerely,
Mr Shane McCarthy
A/CEO-General President
AgForce Queensland Farmers Ltd