MARANOA has the second highest activity among Queensland's local government areas actively drilled  or being considered for coal seam gas exploration, according to state government statistics released this week.

As at July 1, at least 42 of the state's 73 local government regions had outstanding "environmental authorities" on them relating to the coal-seam gas industry.

There were 229 permits already in place, 127 of which allowed for the drilling of gas wells.

A further 56 pipeline permits were issued for those funnelling the gas to facilities.

Maranoa recorded the second highest concentration of these permits just behind nearby Western Downs with 46 and 55 permits respectively.

Queensland Conservation Council executive director Toby Hutcheon questioned how proper environmental oversight was being delivered with so many permits issued.

"(Wells) are being operated particularly close to aquifers," Mr Hutcheon said.

"No one can give a definitive answer on what the impact is, that's what's concerning."

Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association CEO David Byers said the flow on benefits of this industry to jobs growth, wages  and the economy was enormous.

The two state departments that govern the CSG industry - Mines and Environment - said permit holders faced stringent environmental regulation before being approved.

Before any work could begin, every firm must be given an environmental authority from the Department of Environment.

Once obtained, they must then earn a petroleum and gas tenure from the Department of Mines.

The Queensland Government has released 229 "environmental authorities" for the CSG industry in Queensland.

These include permits for drilling wells, surveying areas, building refineries or other facilities or early exploration.

Top Five councils for  gas permits:

Western Downs 55

Maranoa 46

Gladstone 22

Isaac 22

Toowoomba 11