Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House the Newman Government's decision to approve the release of 10,000 megalitres of toxic mine water into the Fitzroy River during the 2013 Queensland floods. In addition, eight Central Queensland coal mines are being investigated for allegedly illegally releasing toxic water into river systems. These releases follow the Newman Government's decision to relax environmental conditions for the discharge of mining wastewater and establish a pilot salinity-trading scheme.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to call on the Newman Government to immediately launch an independent assessment of mine water releases, which is steered by local representatives, including water experts. We believe that only an independent assessment of this kind will truthfully report on threats to the quality of water used by families, businesses and farms surrounding the Fitzroy River Basin, particularly in Rockhampton. The Government has failed to consult with local communities, farmers and environmental scientists and an independent assessment would ensure the people most affected by the release of toxic mine water have confidence in the quality of their water supply.