A group of Darling Downs landholders dubbed the ‘Springvale Four’ are celebrating after Arrow Energy confirmed it had withdrawn plans to drill 14 gaswells on their properties.

Lobby group Lock the Gate said the farmers were among the first to launch a challenge against a Regional Interests Development Approval (RIDA) application and that this was believed to be the first time a gas company had withdrawn such an application in response to farmer opposition. 

“This is a significant win, and goes to show what can be achieved when communities, even a very small group of people, work together,” Queensland Lock the Gate Alliance spokesman Nick Holliday said.

Arrow Energy said the company lodged two Regional Interests Development Applications for several properties in the region in 2021 and 2022 as part of the Surat Gas Project.

“Since then, we’ve refined our field design, enabling us to meet production obligations with the smallest possible footprint,” he said.

“Given the time that has elapsed, changes to our plans and our commitment to providing clarity to landholders, we decided to withdraw the applications.

“If a new application is required in the future, we will consult with relevant stakeholders and the community as part of our process.”

The Surat Gas Project is expected to support more than 1000 jobs and inject $10 billion into the regional economy over 27 years.

“Development of our project relies on our commitment to working with landholders for mutually beneficial relationships and co-existence of our two industries,” the Arrow spokesman said.

“We have almost 400 agreements with more than 300 farming families who see the value of partnering with us to support their agricultural enterprises.”

Lock the Gate said farmers wanted to see the LNP make good on a pre-election commitment to protect the Condamine Alluvium from any new coal seam gas drilling. 

The promise was made in response to a fierce campaign by local farming group Save Our Darling Downs to protect the Condamine Alluvium, which underpins food and fibre production in the district, the group said.

“Governments must do more to support Australian farmers under threat from coal seam gas. The Springfield Four have achieved a serious blow against Arrow, but it’s a fight they shouldn’t have to have,” Mr Holliday said.

“It’s more important than ever that the changes promised by the Queensland LNP Government to protect the Condamine Alluvium are now implemented thoroughly, so that Arrow does not come back in a few years and try to access these farms again.”  

‘Springvale Four’ farmer Doug Browne (pictured left) said the group had not only been opposing Arrow for the sake of their own land but to help protect the groundwater that sustained the district.

“Water is life,” he said. “And we did this to show farmers all over Australia that even a small group of people can stand up to giant gas companies.”