A RE-ELECTED Coalition government will provide $4 million towards scientific research and engagement to better inform Australian communities about the gas industry, Minister for Resources Josh Frydenberg announced yesterday at the APPEA Conference.

Minister Frydenberg said the CSIRO will undertake the research and collaborate with independent body, the Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA), which is already undertaking community engagement activities in Queensland and New South Wales.

“Legitimate concerns have been raised in the broader community about unconventional gas extraction, particularly the impacts on water and prime agricultural land. These concerns need to be heard. As part of this discussion, the Turnbull government is committed to better informing the community through science and research,” Minister Frydenberg said.

“GISERA uses the significant and trusted research capability of the CSIRO to provide sound scientific data and expertise on gas policy. This provides invaluable information for communities, industry and governments. In particular, GISERA will conduct new research into surface and groundwater, agricultural land management, biodiversity and socio economic impacts and opportunities.”

Minister Frydenberg also criticised the federal Labor Party’s policy to implement gas reservation, highlighting that it had been labelled an ‘investment killer’ by former Labor resources minister Martin Ferguson.

AREEA welcomes the funding commitment for the CSIRO’s ongoing natural gas research programs, with chief executive Steve Knott saying further development of the energy source is ‘critical for our national future’.