THE future of coal-seam gas mining in NSW could be decided as early as today when state cabinet considers a strategic land-use policy that will seek to protect key farming areas from potential soil and water degradation.
Senior government sources said last night it was likely the policy would identify those parts of NSW regarded as prime agricultural land, and would establish a "gateway process" to follow before CSG reserves could be exploited.
This outcome would anger community groups in regions where CSG is considered a threat because of potential contamination of soil and groundwater.
The Australian has learned that the timetable for the land-use policy, originally expected to be released next year, has been advanced because of uncertainty among farmers, rural communities and the CSG industry.
The Australian
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