The South Australian Government has partnered up with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to conduct research into the social and environmental impact of the gas industry in the state’s south east.
CSIRO’S Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA) will conduct in-depth research into the social and environmental impacts of gas production in the Otway Basin.
“GISERA has established a proven research program, governance structure and processes in Queensland and New South Wales to ensure independence, transparency and integrity,” GISERA director Dr Damian Barrett said.
“We will be taking that same approach to the research undertaken in South Australia.
“A South Australian Regional Research Advisory Committee is being established, including a majority of independent members, which independently reviews research proposals on the range of science questions which the community, government and local industry seek answers to in the South East.
“We look forward to working with the communities in the South East to develop a study program that will deepen our knowledge of the social and environmental impacts of the onshore gas industry in the Otway Basin.”
SA Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis said the partnership provides the state with an opportunity to “generate a wealth of independent research to gauge the impact of the gas industry on the state’s south east”.
“By working with the local community, GISERA will also be able to generate high quality scientific research to better inform the development of South Australia’s Oil and Gas Strategy,” he said.
“Many of the concerns about water quality and the socio-economic impacts of the gas industry on neighbouring primary industries will be addressed by this research project.”
A study into offshore gas basins in southern Australia was launched by the Australian Government as part of its $90 million investment in domestic gas security and supply in June last year.