The landholder journey – coexistence lessons from Queensland’s gas industry
Jon Thomas A * and Warwick Squire A *A
Jon Thomas is currently the Director of Strategy and Policy with Coexistence Queensland. In this role, he operates in a complex and contested space, often navigating divergent stakeholder interests with the purpose to achieve change programs and policy reforms. Success in this role relies on strong collaboration, consultation and negotiation outcomes. As a high performing senior public servant Jon believes it’s a privilege to positively influence the lives of Queenslanders. With his blend of private and public sector experience in a career spanning 25 years, for the past 14 years he has applied his skills within Queensland’s resources industry. As a degree-qualified engineer with post-degree qualifications in business, Jon has broad experiences in operational and commercial roles within private industry including the resources, manufacturing and transport sectors. |
Warwick Squire is an experienced executive specialising in change leadership, policy development and operational efficiencies with more than 20 years in the government sector. He has extensive expertise in cultivating productive relationships, particularly throughout rural and regional communities in Queensland. Warwick currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Coexistence Queensland, a role in which he leads and works collaboratively with landholders, communities, agricultural, energy and resource companies, peak bodies, and all levels of government to achieve positive coexistence outcomes. His authentic leadership ensures team engagement and aligned focus within teams and across departments, driving change and delivering innovative projects in complex environments. Warwick has built a reputation for taking on challenging roles and leading teams to deliver exceptional results. |
Abstract
In this era of energy transition, the relationship between industry, community and landholders has never been more critical. The long-term, mutually beneficial coexistence of these stakeholders must be built on an appreciation of the community and the landholders’ experience of change. The concept of the ‘landholder journey’, social licence to operate and social capital, offers opportunities, challenges and leading practice to build to sustainable coexistence, social acceptance and enduring community benefits. This paper is informed by work undertaken by Coexistence Queensland, formerly known as the GasFields Commission Queensland. Coexistence Queensland has a unique remit, as the only independent statutory body of its type across Australia. By drawing on the experiences gained from the development of the onshore gas industry in Queensland, the paper aims to provide valuable insights for policy makers, industry leaders and community representatives seeking to foster harmonious relationships and sustainable industry development.
Keywords: Bowen Basin, coal seam gas, coexistence, Coexistence Queensland, community benefits, energy developments, energy transition, gas, landholder journey, landholder relationships, Queensland, social impact, social licence to operate, Surat Basin.
Jon Thomas is currently the Director of Strategy and Policy with Coexistence Queensland. In this role, he operates in a complex and contested space, often navigating divergent stakeholder interests with the purpose to achieve change programs and policy reforms. Success in this role relies on strong collaboration, consultation and negotiation outcomes. As a high performing senior public servant Jon believes it’s a privilege to positively influence the lives of Queenslanders. With his blend of private and public sector experience in a career spanning 25 years, for the past 14 years he has applied his skills within Queensland’s resources industry. As a degree-qualified engineer with post-degree qualifications in business, Jon has broad experiences in operational and commercial roles within private industry including the resources, manufacturing and transport sectors. |
Warwick Squire is an experienced executive specialising in change leadership, policy development and operational efficiencies with more than 20 years in the government sector. He has extensive expertise in cultivating productive relationships, particularly throughout rural and regional communities in Queensland. Warwick currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Coexistence Queensland, a role in which he leads and works collaboratively with landholders, communities, agricultural, energy and resource companies, peak bodies, and all levels of government to achieve positive coexistence outcomes. His authentic leadership ensures team engagement and aligned focus within teams and across departments, driving change and delivering innovative projects in complex environments. Warwick has built a reputation for taking on challenging roles and leading teams to deliver exceptional results. |
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