Govt gives power to the people

Powering ahead: The NSW Government yesterday announced new rules designed to give communities more say on coal seam gas drilling in the state.

WITH the election fast approaching, the NSW Government yesterday moved to limit the ongoing controversy surrounding coal seam gas drilling in the state, announcing a raft of new rules designed to give communities more say before projects are approved.

Under the changes exploration companies must submit plans, detailing environmental impacts and chemicals to be used before work commences.

Companies must also provide detailed information about their activities to all affected councils and landowners and establish a community information hotline.

The move comes after a campaign for a moratorium was launched by the NSW Farmers Association and backed by the Australian Greens, and as recently as last week, Lismore City Council.

“We recognise community concerns about coal seam gas exploration – and we are listening to them,” Premier Kristina Keneally said in a statement.

“However, it is important to get the balance right managing our natural resources in an environmentally responsible way, with extensive community consultation – while moving the industry forward to a cleaner source of power.”

She said the Government would consider banning the controversial BTEX chemicals which had already been outlawed in Queensland after trace elements were found during drilling at Arrow Energy’s Surat Basin.

Exploration plans will be scrutinised by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) and the Department of Planning and Industry & Investment NSW.

Primary Industries minister Steve Whan said while the gas was an important future energy source for the state, it was important its development didn’t go unchecked.

“The involvement of DECCW in the exploration licence process will ensure that both short term and long term environmental impacts are taken into account.”

Metgasco, which is developing a coal seam gas field near Casino, was unavailable for comment yesterday.