By Brandon Long

ABC Rural

Topic: Agriculture

Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 6:03 pm

Farmers are happy because the government changed its plan to protect water.

In short:

The government will not remove a key protection for underground water in Queensland.

The parliament passed a new law that requires gas companies to get approval before drilling.

Farmers are happy that the government changed its plan about gas mining.

The new law says gas companies need approval to drill on farmland above the Condamine Alluvium.

The Condamine Alluvium is a big source of underground water that farmers use.

The government first wanted to remove the approval, but farmers and groups did not agree.

The change happened after farmers and groups campaigned against the original plan.

Farmer Stuart Armitage says gas and farming cannot work together in this area.

Stuart Armitage is happy about the win, but it was a hard fight.

He said it was good to see the government listen to the people.

Another farmer, Liza Balmain, is relieved but not happy about the result.

She said the fight was hard and they are back to where they started.

Pat Weir helped the government understand the concerns of farmers and gas companies.

Pat Weir talked to the government leaders to keep the approval process.

He said the government leaders agreed to change the law.

The deputy premier said the changes were necessary and that the other party did not listen to the community.

The new law also helps farmers who have damaged land because of gas mining.

But some farmers think the help is not enough and that it's just a quick fix.

Farmers showed their disagreement by making a big sign that said 'no gas'.

Stuart Armitage said his family has been farming for a long time and they want to protect their land.

He said the compensation is not enough and that gas mining can hurt their farming.

Stuart Armitage wants the government to stop gas mining in the area for now.

He said the fight is not over yet.

Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 6:03 pm

Friday, June 26, 2026, at 9:04 am

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