LANDHOLDERS in the heart of the Queensland coal seam gas fields have expressed ongoing frustration over the compensation offers for stock losses and the methods employed by QGC to prevent animal deaths during pipeline construction.
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Producers north of Miles, who have spent more than two years managing coal seam gas pipeline construction from several competing companies, have told Queensland Country Life they have concerns over QGC's compensation calculations for stock lost in pipeline trenches winding through their properties.
Leo Bahnisch, Mt Moore, Guluguba, said he has received only half of the market value he believed he was entitled to for a calf lost as a result of the animal falling into the open trenches during QGC's pipeline laying across his property.
He said QGC and its subcontractor, MCJV, had blamed each other for his stock losses.
Mr Bahnisch said he wanted to receive adequate compensation which took into account not only the value of the calf but also the additional cost to his business for replacing the animal.
He said QGC did not notify him of the dead animal and he only became aware of the stock loss after it was discovered by a group of northern NSW protestors on his property as part of a fact finding tour.
"We had been telling the workers all the time about the risks of the trench but they wouldn't listen and then we found out we have lost a calf," Mr Bahnisch said.
"It means we've got to feed a cow for another 12 months before she has a calf. But while we weren't happy with the compensation offered to us, we are so sick of dealing with this company that we just took whatever they offered us."
Robert Hoffman, Erby Downs, Miles, lost two cows in calf in recent months after they ate tape and bunting left on site by QGC and MCJV pipeline workers, despite Mr Hoffman's continuous requests not to leave it where the cattle could access it.
Mr Hoffman said the companies set the final compensation figure, which varied by as much as 30pc between each beast, but he claims he was left with little option but to accept the offer or take the matter into the courts.
Jeff Noller, Delga, Wandoan, has lost five stud bulls and a heifer from pipeline building and is negotiating with QGC and MCJC for compensation.
Mr Noller said he had ongoing concerns over how the companies would calculate the true value of a stud bull.
A QGC spokesman said the company compensated all landholders based on market rates and in line with obligations, "which we have met and will continue to meet in full".
"When we are aware of problems we work to fix them as quickly as possible. We are open to discussions with any landholder who feels otherwise.
"QGC has extensive induction programs for contractors and obligations under the company's environmental authority and landholder agreements are reinforced in pre-work meetings."
