Tough NSW govt regime for coal seam gas mining

New South Wales will introduce a moratorium on the controversial “fracking” process used in coal seam gas mining and ban the use of toxic chemicals, as part of a tough new regime for the industry.

NSW Resources and Energy Minister Chris Hartcher announced new restrictions for coal seam gas mining, as a 60-day moratorium on new exploration licences came to an end.

Farmers and the NSW Minerals Council welcomed the changes.

The NSW Greens Party criticised the measures for not going far enough, saying the industry “has not been proven safe”.

Under the changes, toxic BTEX chemicals (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes) will be banned.

A December 31 moratorium will be introduced on the hydraulic fracturing, or fracking process, in which miners inject water or other fluids into cracks in rock to extract gas and/or oil.

The government will also introduce tougher restrictions on the use of groundwater, and new stricter public consultation guidelines.

“We understand there needs to be a balance between agricultural land and mining and we’re determined to get that balance right,” Mr Hartcher said in a statement.

“That is why we will require all new applications for mining or petroleum projects which have the potential to affect agricultural resources or industries to submit an Agriculture Impact Statement.

“It is also why we are identifying strategic agricultural lands and through the Strategic Regional Land Use policy process, ensuring that provisions are included to maintain the significant value of these lands.”

A 60-day moratorium on new exploration licences for coal, coal seam gas and petroleum was not extended when it ended on Saturday.

Greens Member of Parliament Jeremy Buckingham, who has introduced a bill calling for a 12-month moratorium on coal seam gas mining, criticised the new regime for not going far enough.

Judi Sheedy, from the NSW Farmers Association mining research group, said the changes were a “good first step”.

The NSW Minerals Council welcomed the push for greater public consultation but said conflicts would not be solved until strategic land-use plans were put in place.