Linc Energy has been ordered to stand trial over five allegations it wilfully and unlawfully caused serious environmental harm to the environment.
The global oil and gas company operates an underground gasification pilot plant near Chinchilla, and the alleged incidents date back to the company's operation between 2007 and 2013.
The decision to stand trial was handed down in the Dalby Magistrates Court last Friday.
According to one landholder, Shay Dougall, who lives in the gasfields at Hopeland, the Magistrate’s decision is not only about environmental harm but also the people affected, and what should be done to manage the impact.
Ms Dougall believes the best outcome now would be for the community to come together and get on the front foot to determine how this will be managed.
However, a spokesperson for Linc Energy said they were disappointed with the Magistrate’s decision, especially as the case against Linc Energy was a circumstantial one.
“Linc Energy reiterates its innocence and is steadfast in its belief that the evidence put before the court by the DEHP had glaring holes and suffered from inconsistencies and as a result it fell well short of the standard required,” the spokeperson said. “Linc Energy will be seeking a court hearing at the earliest opportunity.”
