MULTINATIONAL companies developing $70 billion of liquefied natural gas projects using coal-seam gas in Queensland have failed to properly explain the benefits to the nation, according to the man known as the pioneer of the industry in Australia.
In his first public comments on the battle between farmers and the companies working to turn coal-seam gas into LNG, former Santos chief executive John Ellice-Flint said the rapid pace of development meant the industry had "not put enough effort" into informing the public debate.
He said a more informed scientific debate on the process was urgently needed and called on farmers and the industry to get together to resolve their differences -- to prevent politicians imposing ill-conceived regulation.
"The best thing landowners and the industry can do is get together, and politicians should not bring in rules and regulations that have unintended consequences for all parties," Mr Ellice-Flint told The Weekend Australian.
While he acknowledged the industry had to move quickly with development after signing long-term gas contracts with foreign buyers, he said there was "not enough effort put into informing".
"The way the industry has informed has not been good. The whole industry has to pull its socks up," Mr Ellice-Flint said.
The Australian
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