Coal seam gas probe continues

THE Senate inquiry into Queensland's coal seam gas industry has heard evidence from landowners and industry representatives this week.

The inquiry was set up to investigate concerns about the environmental impacts of the industry. Farmers are concerned about the impact on water of drilling for coal seam gas on water.

The Rural Affairs and Transport Committee is holding hearings in Roma, Dalby and Brisbane.

Its purpose is to hear evidence and concerns from councils, environmental and farming groups.National Party Senator Barnaby Joyce, who is on the committee, put the blowtorch toon mining industry representatives on Wednesday, questioning the industry's impact on primary producers.

Among other concerns, he said there were reports of a lack of consistency in compensation packages provided to farmers.Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association spokesman Rick Wilkinson told the hearing the average compensation offered to landholders was $5000 a year per CGS well. Senator Joyce said that figure was too low.

CSIRO and Australia Pacific LNG recently jointly launched a joint the Gas Industry and Environment Research Alliance to investigate Queensland's CSG industry.