A SENATE committee investigating a proposal to pump waste carbon dioxide into an aquifer of the Great Artesian Basin has recommended a nation-wide ban on the practice.

Earlier this year, the Queensland Government knocked back Glencore’s proposal and legislated a ban on all carbon capture and storage projects in the GAB – which has been cited as risk to a vital water source for agricultural businesses and towns.

A senate committee has now recommended all states and territories consider following Qld’s lead and legislate similar bans on projects in the GAB.

The senate inquiry was pushed by One Nation senator Pauline Hanson while the proposal was being considered by the state government. At the time there was widespread concern from agriculture groups and regional communities.

One of the reasons the proposal gained regulatory approval from the Federal Government in 2022 was that it was not covered by the water trigger of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act – which was set up for mining development.

The senate committee has recommended CCS projects be covered by the water trigger.

The Federal Government is considering the recommendations.

What is CCS?

Carbon Capture and Storage is a practice that has been proposed across the world and involves trucking waste carbon dioxide away from power stations and pumping it into the ground – to limit the impact on the atmosphere.

While many are cautious or critical of the idea, others say it is an important part of the global effort to limit global warming.

Both of the major parties have shown support for it at times, however, most of the support is about doing projects outside the GAB.

Project still going to court

Qld farm lobby group AgForce has taken the Federal Government to court over its 2022 decision, calling on the environment minister Tanya Plibersek to call the decision back for further consideration.

The Federal Government has been saying it is unable to call back the decision and court case is scheduled for the first week of August.

“Make no mistake, the future of inland Australia, its towns, its industries and its immense beauty are on the line – and the Federal Government is now deliberately seeking to avoid protecting one of the natural wonders of the world,” AgForce chief executive officer Michael Guerin said in an opinion piece.

“AgForce remains hopeful of avoiding court to resolve this but based on the actions of the Federal Government so far, we are increasingly resigned to the idea that we will need the courts’ capacity to protect something that should never be put at risk.”

FCA welcomes report

Farmers for Climate chief executive officer Natalie Collard said the group welcomed the ban.

“Farmers need clean water and clean air to grow food and fibre for Australia and the world,” Ms Collard said.

“We’re pleased the Senate Committee has so strongly recommended a ban on carbon capture and storage activities across the Great Artesian Basin, and that the impacts on groundwater of all carbon capture projects be assessed under Federal legislation.

“The Senate Committee understands how important clean water is for Australia’s food supply.”