NSW Farmers has welcomed the State Opposition’s call for a pause until proper science and regulation to underpin the Coal Seam Gas industry are in place to protect the State’s water resources.
President Fiona Simson says the policy announcement by NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson reaffirms the need for a more balanced approach to mining and coal seam gas exploration and extraction across the State.
“A shift to Opposition has clearly given the Labor Party time to reflect on past decisions,” Mrs Simson said.
“NSW Farmers has consistently pushed for a balanced approach to minerals, coal and coal seam gas exploration and extraction.
“Protecting the future of our precious land and water resources, our farms and our communities is bigger than politics,” Mrs Simson said.
More than 12 months ago NSW Farmers called for a pause on the granting of new mining and CSG exploration and production licences, to allow science; independence and rigour to catch up with Government’s approvals processes.
“We wanted to draw a line in the sand, to allow the development of strong legislation that does not allow mining and CSG activities to proceed if they place our precious land and water resources at risk, or jeopardise landholder property rights,” Mrs Simson said.
“Mr Robertson said he wants confidence that CSG mining will not damage aquifers and prime agricultural land.
“As sustainable land managers we want that confidence too, which is why we were so encouraged by the O’Farrell Government’s Strategic Regional Land Use Policy, a policy which promised a fundamental shift towards a more balanced approach to land use planning in NSW.
“There is clearly an overwhelming groundswell of community support for an evidence and risk-based approach to mining and CSG development in NSW.
“It’s now up to the O’Farrell Government to deliver on its promise to restore balance and create certainty for communities, farmers and industry by defining areas where mining and CSG extraction should – and should not – occur.”
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