Politicisation of Gas Development in New South Wales Alarming, Says Apex Industry Body

Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA), Australia’s apex oil and gas industry body said Tuesday that New South Wales (NSW) Labor Party’s continued politicisation of gas development in the state is alarming.

“If the NSW ALP was to cast its eyes north, it would see a Queensland CSG industry that currently employs almost 40,000 people and which is on the cusp of delivering $70 billion worth of LNG projects; investments that will make that state a globally-significant exporter of cleaner-burning energy to Asia,” APPEA said.

As a Resources Minister in a former ALP Government, John Robertson supported the sensible development of a NSW gas industry and oversaw the industry’s expansion, the industry body commented.

“Yet today he has chosen to align his party with the Greens scare campaign, issuing a statement that says: “Fracking causes all sorts of consequences and raises very serious concerns about contamination to water aquifers””, APPEA said.

According to APPEA, this is a statement that ignores both science and 60 years of demonstrated experience.

NSW regulated gas prices rose 18 per cent last week and there are today gas companies able and willing to invest in NSW and help put downward pressure on these rising prices.

“Alarmist comments do nothing to help investor confidence,” APPEA said.