Even in circumstances where you have signed an agreement authorising the development of pipeline infrastructure on your land in exchange for the payment of compensation, there are ongoing rehabilitation obligations that must be met by resource companies.

The standard of rehabilitation on your land will either comply with the EA conditions or not. If EA conditions are not complied with, the resource company may have committed “environmental harm” under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EPA). You have rights to demand that rehabilitation be performed to a standard consistent with that identified in the EA. You have the ability to take action under the EPA to ensure compliance.

Resource development is short term in nature compared to the long term productivity of agricultural land. If you are concerned about the standard of rehabilitation on your land or have any questions relating to rehabilitation, consider lodging a complaint to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection for investigation and contact us for a free consultation.

This information provides advice of a general nature only and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

Published 1 July 2016.