An unlikely alliance has come to the fore in the debate surrounding Coal Seam Gas exploration in Queensland. CPD fellow Mark Bahnisch, along with FAQ Research, interview Bob Katter MP, federal Member for Kennedy and leader of Katter’s Australian Party and Queensland Greens Senator Larissa Waters at the February 20 Jondaryan Big Day Out protest against coal seam gas and coal mining on prime agricultural land. The general consensus on the day called for landholders’ rights and the protection of agricultural land. Furthermore, Senator Waters repeated her call for a Senate inquiry into the full range of issues raised by Coal Seam Gas, including its social and community impacts.

The Courier-Mail today announced it would avoid covering campaign stunts from the major party leaders, calling for a debate about policy. A debate about mining and agricultural and community policy has been brewing on the Western Downs. The question is when the shockwave created by the alliance of farmer, activists, Greens and Bob Katter hits Brisbane.

The full article can be read in Crikey here