Article

Coal seam gas exploration and production in New South Wales: The case for better strategic planning and more stringent regulation

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Abstract

In May 2011, the New South Wales government implemented a 60 day moratorium on new CSG exploration licences, designed to address concerns about land-use conflicts between mining and other uses. However, at the end of this period, these concerns remained unresolved and yet, CSG activities went back to business as usual. Given the potential long-term devastating impacts of CSG operations on water, soil and air, it is the author's view that the precautionary approach requires a further moratorium on CSG operations be imposed until such time as the findings and recommendations of the inquiries being undertaken by the Federal and NSW State Governments are known and implemented.

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