This inquiry was established to consider the proposed Surat Basin Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Project by the Carbon Transport and Storage Corporation, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Glencore. A key recommendation from the inquiry is that states and territories consider a legislated ban on CCS activities across the Great Artesian Basin to ensure this important natural asset is uniformly preserved.

Broadly, CCS refers to a suite of processes and technologies which are involved in capturing, transporting, and storing greenhouse gas emissions in the subsurface with the goal of permanently preventing the release of these gases into the atmosphere. While CCS as a concept has been around since the 1970s, deployment to date has been relatively slow and limited to a small number of industries. Although there is growing momentum globally, the International Energy Agency (IEA) argues the CCS industry has not yet shown that it can operate at scale.

This report comprises two chapters:

• The introductory chapter sets out an overview of the proposed project, outlines key regulatory outcomes, and offers background information on CCS.
• Chapter 2 presents the views of affected stakeholders, including local government representatives, agricultural producers, and First Nations communities. It discusses the possible precedent of allowing CCS projects within the Great Artesian Basin and concludes with the Committee’s views and recommendations.