The Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development is part of the Environment portfolio, and functions in an advisory capacity. As well as providing advice on coal seam gas or large coal mining development proposals, the committee will provide advice on a suite of research priorities. Research projects undertaken under these priorities will seek to address critical gaps in scientific understanding of the water-related impacts associated with coal seam gas and large coal mining activities. The committee will also advise on the scope and method of the bioregional assessments to be undertaken in areas where coal seam gas and/or large coal mining developments are underway or planned. Bioregional assessments are a scientific analysis of the ecology, hydrology and geology of an area. Their purpose is to assess the potential risks to water resources as a result of intended developments.