THE federal government will impose tougher environmental checks on coal seam gas (CSG) and large coal mines.
In his agreement to support the minority Labor government after the 2010 election, Independent MP Tony Windsor had demanded independent scientific oversight for CSG and coal projects.
Under changes approved by cabinet on Tuesday, federal environmental powers will be extended to cover the cumulative impacts on water of new CSG wells and mines.
National environment law will be changed to require federal assessment and approval of coal seam gas and large coal mining developments which have a significant impact on a water resource.
Environment and Water Minister Tony Burke says while the government will seek more information from business, it's not seeking to have "a needlessly delayed" process.
He says the additional information required in many instances will involve data that has already been collected in the state approval process.
Mr Windsor welcomed the government's announcement, saying it was a win for water and for the farming sector reliant on water.
"It is important to have a process in place to give all involved confidence that any decision made would be based on science and not on short-term economic return to the state governments," he said in a statement.
"My push has always been about getting a process that the community can have confidence in."
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