Ironbark Project (withdrawn)

Project overview

Current stage

• Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process withdrawn

Description

• development of coal seam gas (CSG) resources within Authority to Prospect (ATP) 788P
• installation of up to 600 CSG wells
• construction of up to two gas plants with field compression
• a gas pipeline to connect gas plant infrastructure to the existing Darling Downs Pipeline to supply domestic customers, including the Darling Downs Power Station near Dalby
• water extracted from the coal seams proposed to be treated before beneficial use, discharge to streams, or reinjection into suitable aquifers
• proposed disposal options of salt in brine from CSG water treatment include salt recovery, brine injection into saline aquifers, or brine injection into depleted gas wells

Proponent

• Origin Energy ATP 788P Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Origin Energy Limited

Location/s

• Approximately 300 kilometres (km) west of Brisbane and 150 km west of Toowoomba. Nearby towns include Tara to the south, Dalby to the east and Chinchilla to the north.

Local government/s

• Western Downs Regional Council

Lifespan

• Approximately 40 years

Jobs

• 200 (construction)
• 40 (operational)

Commonwealth Approval needed

On 22 August 2011, Origin Energy ATP 788P Pty Limited lodged an Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) referral for the Ironbark Project with the then Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. On 7 October 2011, the Ironbark Project was determined to be a controlled action requiring assessment and approval under the EPBC Act through the voluntary EIS process under the Queensland Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) in accordance with the bilateral agreement. The controlling provisions for the project, are sections 16 and 17B (wetlands of international importance), 18 and 18A (listed threatened species and communities), and 20 and 20A (migratory species).

Environmental impact statement (EIS)

On 15 March 2011, an application was made by the proponent under section 71 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 for the preparation of a voluntary (EIS). The application was approved on 18 March 2011.

In accordance with section 46 of the EP Act, the chief executive of the department prepared the final TOR for carrying out an EIS for the project. The final TOR was issued to the proponent on 5 April 2012. On 4 April 2014, Origin Energy ATP788P Pty Ltd (the proponent) requested that the Ironbark Project be withdrawn from the EIS assessment process.

Documents

• Final terms of reference (PDF, 271.9 KB) (April 2012)
• Draft terms of reference (PDF, 273.9 KB) (November 2011)
• Initial advice statement (PDF, 4.6 MB) (October 2011)

Further information

For further information about the EIS process for this proposal, contact the EIS Coordinator – Ironbark Project, on 13QGOV (13 74 68) or email eis@des.qld.gov.au.