Approvals Process

The Queensland Curtis LNG Project will be assessed under Australian and Queensland environmental impact assessment legislation.

Under this process, the Queensland Government has declared the project to be of state significance and will co-ordinate the approvals process under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (QLD).

Given the project may have the potential to affect matters of national environmental significance that are under Australian Government jurisdiction, it will also be assessed under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

During the assessment, the Queensland Curtis LNG Project team will explain the development in detail, outline the potential environmental impact, and describe how it intends to manage that impact.

Environmental studies will cover land, water, air, noise and visual impact. The project will also study social and economic impacts and safety and risk.

The assessment process will involve extensive engagement with parties who have an interest in the project including landholders, community organisations, indigenous groups, industry, conservationists and government.

The environmental impact statement will:

• Assess the potential adverse and beneficial environmental, economic, and social impacts of the project;
• Provide information to the public about the project and its impacts;
• Obtain input from the community and stakeholders about the project, its impacts and management;
• Assess management, monitoring, planning and other measures proposed to minimise adverse environmental impacts of the project;
• Consider feasible alternatives to the project;
• Provide information to enable the Coordinator-General and other State and Commonwealth referral bodies (such as the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency) to decide on environmental approvals;
• Give information to other State and Commonwealth authorities to help them make informed decisions; and
• Propose an environmental management document for the project.

Matters to be studied under the environmental assessment will be set out in Terms of Reference established by the Queensland and Australian Governments in consultation with other stakeholders, including the public.

The Queensland Government’s Coordinator-General advertises the Terms of Reference nationally so people can have a say on what else should be covered.

Timing

The environmental assessment process is scheduled to be completed in late 2009.

Major milestones include: