AGL has called for greater community consultation requirements, stronger water management regulations and a code of conduct to set minimum industry standards for coal seam gas (CSG) projects in New South Wales.
In its submission to the NSW Government on the directions and issues to be addressed in a coal and gas strategy for NSW, AGL also calls for existing laws governing the CSG industry, in particular the Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991, to be re-written to end “confusion for the community”.
“AGL believes government has an opportunity to communicate its vision for the industry through the NSW Coal and Gas Strategy,” AGL says. “Over the past 12 months in particular, misunderstanding about the nature of the CSG industry has led to wider unease in local communities.
“AGL believes that greater levels of community engagement can effectively address these concerns.”
AGL’s Group General Manager Upstream Gas, Mike Moraza, said the current review offered the Government a unique opportunity to provide certainty for both the community and the CSG industry.
“There are people who are confused by the many claims and counter claims being made around CSG so we believe the Government should be congratulated for this very positive step toward providing clarity and direction,” Mr Moraza said.
AGL’s submission is now available in full on: www.aglblog.com.au.
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