Coexistence 2.0 – maturing the coexistence model in Queensland

Abstract

For the gas industry to continue to thrive in a changing world, the evolution of coexistence will need to consider the multi-faceted aspects of community expectations such as the environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, community expectations of a decarbonised energy future, technological advancements and changing government regulations. This paper does not define coexistence, rather it examines how the concept of coexistence in Queensland is a process of evolution as the gas industry in Queensland has matured from the perspective of the GasFields Commission Queensland (the Commission). The Commission was officially established in 2013 to ‘manage and improve the sustainable coexistence of landholders, regional communities and the onshore gas industry in Queensland’. There is no single means to obtain a good practice of coexistence. It requires a tailored approach dependant on the individual stakeholder, and will require the use of multiple tools, consistent engagement, transparent communication and a fit-for-purpose regulatory framework. Importantly, coexistence is a concept that requires a shared responsibility and is an enduring relationship.