Sydney, Nov 21, 2011 (AFP) - - Australia Monday said all new coal seam gas (CSG) and large coal projects would face increased scientific scrutiny after a key lawmaker made it a condition of his approval for a contested mining tax.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard said there would be a "new focus on scientific evidence to build community confidence" in the fast-growing but controversial CSG industry, which is facing a public backlash in parts of Australia.
All future projects would be scrutinised by a new Aus$150 million (US$149.6 million) independent scientific committee to ensure they did not pose a risk to underground water sources before they could be approved, Gillard said.
"Coal seam gas and coal can bring huge opportunities, but to do so must maintain community confidence, especially in regard to the impact on water," the premier said in a statement.
"This can only be achieved by ensuring all environmental approvals and licensing decisions are made on the basis of transparent, objective scientific evidence."
The West Australian
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