Dubbo MP Troy Grant and his National Party colleagues are beginning to listen to the public but need to do more to ensure coal seam gas doesn't destroy valuable farming land, according to lobby group Lock The Gate.
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Last week the state government announced that all new petroleum exploration licence applications (PELA) would be frozen, while existing applications and licences will be audited, including a 9400 kilometre PELA that encompasses Dubbo. No new licences will be considered for six months to allow for a comprehensive overhaul of the application process.
Minister for Resources and Energy Anthony Roberts also announced the cost of a PELA would increase from $1000 to $50,000, a change he hopes will discourage small companies from making the application with the hope of on-selling for a profit.
Lock The Gate has been lobbying against coal seam gas projects and members who live near the Pilliga State Forrest have been especially vocal since it was discovered there was a leak in the coal seam gas mining facility there.
Coonamble farmer Anne Kennedy went to NSW Parliament House last week and presented Mr Grant and other Nationals MPs with more than 11,000 signatures of people who are opposed to CSG mining and she said she is encouraged by the government's latest actions.
"This is a positive step, I'm glad the government is talking about it but at the end of the day it is only talking," she said.
"Most of NSW is already covered by licenses.
"What we really need to see is clear reform and clear protection of farming land."
Lock the Gate are part of the Our Land, Our Water, Our Future campaign, which was in Sydney last week with actor Michael Caton and renowned cook Margaret Fulton among those who spoke. The campaign includes 75 community groups from across NSW who are calling for more protection from the dangers of coal seam gas extraction.
Mr Grant said the state government takes applications for petroleum exploration licences extremely seriously and said none have been granted by the current government since it came to power in 2011. He said Labor approved 39 licences during their 16 years in power.
"I'm also pleased that the cost of applying for a petroleum exploration licence in NSW has been increased from $1000 to $50,000 effective immediately this move in itself will deter speculators from making an application," Mr Grant said.
"The Coal Seam Gas regulations we have introduced are the most comprehensive regulations in the nation and send a clear message that the NSW government only wants reputable operators in the state."
