New South Wales Puts Six Month Freeze on New CSG Licenses

Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) Government on Wednesday announced a six month freeze on processing of new coal seam gas exploration licenses.

The government also plans to audit current licenses.

NSW Government will freeze processing new licenses until 26 September 2014 as it puts in place a more comprehensive application process, Minister for Resources and Energy Anthony Roberts said.

“We want an application process that sends a clear message that the Liberals & Nationals Government will only accept best practice standards,” Roberts said.

It is clear that the PEL application process under the former Labor Government was not up to scratch, he added.

The government also announced costs for applying for licenses would rise substantially from $919.50 (A$1000) to $46,000 (A$50,000).

“This sends a clear message that from the very start of the application process, the NSW Government only wants reputable operators in this State,” Roberts said.

He disclosed that the government has asked requested an independent study from the Chief Scientist and Engineer into the impacts of coal seam gas on the state.

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