2. Executive summary Advice to regulators The primary role of the Committee is to provide expert scientific advice on the water-related impacts of coal seam gas and large coal mining development proposals to the Australian and state government regulators. In 2017–18 the Committee provided advice on nine proposed coal resource development projects in New South Wales and Queensland. IESC Research Symposium In June 2018 we hosted the IESC Research Symposium at the Brisbane Convention Exhibition Centre. The symposium attracted around 200 attendees including representatives from regulators, government agencies, community organisations, industry peak bodies, coal resource companies, consultants and research organisations. It increased participants’ awareness of advances in our understanding of the potential impacts of coal resource development on Australia’s water resources. Site visits The Committee undertook a number of site visits to increase our understanding of site operations. The destinations included Centennial Coal’s Mandalong underground coal mine, the University of New South Wales Water research laboratory centrifuge permeameter facility, and the University of Queensland Centre for Coal Seam Gas.. Engagement activities The Committee continued to engage directly with regulators, industry, researchers and interest groups to explain our role and review our approach and how advice is adopted in regulatory decisions. Our engagement activities also included targeted consultation on the update to the Information Guidelines and explanatory notes. Information Guidelines and explanatory notes In May 2018 we released an update of the IESC Information Guidelines. These guidelines aim to assist proponents to provide adequate assessment documentation to enable the IESC to understand, consider and provide advice on the potential impacts of development proposals on water resources. We are developing a range of explanatory notes to support the Information Guidelines by providing more specific and detailed guidance on priority matters. 3. The Committee The Committee consists of eight members, appointed on a part-time basis by the Australian Government Minister with responsibility for the environment. Each member has extensive scientific qualifications and expertise in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, ecology or ecotoxicology.
2. Executive summary Advice to regulators The primary role of the Committee is to provide expert scientific advice on the water-related impacts of coal seam gas and large coal mining development proposals to the Australian and state government regulators. In 2017–18 the Committee provided advice on nine proposed coal resource development projects in New South Wales and Queensland. IESC Research Symposium In June 2018 we hosted the IESC Research Symposium at the Brisbane Convention Exhibition Centre. The symposium attracted around 200 attendees including representatives from regulators, government agencies, community organisations, industry peak bodies, coal resource companies, consultants and research organisations. It increased participants’ awareness of advances in our understanding of the potential impacts of coal resource development on Australia’s water resources. Site visits The Committee undertook a number of site visits to increase our understanding of site operations. The destinations included Centennial Coal’s Mandalong underground coal mine, the University of New South Wales Water research laboratory centrifuge permeameter facility, and the University of Queensland Centre for Coal Seam Gas.. Engagement activities The Committee continued to engage directly with regulators, industry, researchers and interest groups to explain our role and review our approach and how advice is adopted in regulatory decisions. Our engagement activities also included targeted consultation on the update to the Information Guidelines and explanatory notes. Information Guidelines and explanatory notes In May 2018 we released an update of the IESC Information Guidelines. These guidelines aim to assist proponents to provide adequate assessment documentation to enable the IESC to understand, consider and provide advice on the potential impacts of development proposals on water resources. We are developing a range of explanatory notes to support the Information Guidelines by providing more specific and detailed guidance on priority matters. 3. The Committee The Committee consists of eight members, appointed on a part-time basis by the Australian Government Minister with responsibility for the environment. Each member has extensive scientific qualifications and expertise in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, ecology or ecotoxicology.
iesc-annual-review-2017-2018.docx