I suppose everyone who wrote into the Premier just received a form letter reply from Bairds parliamentary secretary? Thank you for your correspondence regarding the coal seam gas industry. I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Premier and have noted the issues that have prompted you to write. The NSW Government’s Gas Plan is a clear, strategic framework to deliver world’s best practice standards and regulation for the Coal Seam Gas (CSG) industry, while securing vital supplies for the State. We have listened to the concerns of landholders, the community, industry and independent scientific experts in developing the NSW Gas Plan. The NSW Government will adopt all the recommendations made by Chief Scientist and Engineer, Professor Mary O’Kane, in her Final Report of the Independent Review of Coal Seam Gas Activities in NSW, released on 30 September 2014. The NSW Government will pause, reset and recommence gas exploration on our terms. All existing Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) applications yet to be determined will be removed, extinguishing prospective PELs from 43 per cent of NSW. The Government will offer a limited ‘buy-back’ of existing petroleum exploration licences, providing a one-off opportunity for PEL holders to surrender their titles in exchange for limited compensation. A strategic release of land for gas exploration will be introduced that is decided by a preassessment of environmental, economic and social factors. The freeze on petroleum exploration licence applications will remain in place until the new Strategic Release Framework is established. Landholders will receive compensation for petroleum exploration and production to ensure they share the benefits, while the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal will set benchmark compensation rates. A Community Benefits Fund, with contributions from gas companies and the NSW Government, will pay for infrastructure projects where gas activities occur and up-front payments by companies will be encouraged. NSW relies on interstate imports for 95 per cent of its gas supply, which leaves us susceptible to rising market prices and supply issues. Gas is needed by the State’s 500 heavy manufacturers, 33,000 businesses and more than 1.2 million households. If gas prices continue to rise we will all pay more for essential products in NSW. The NSW Gas Plan protects our water, agricultural land and environment, while allowing for the safe and sustainable growth in the gas industry. Thank you for writing to the Premier on this important issue. Yours sincerely David Elliott MP Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier
Posted on: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 00:53:48 +0000
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