ACTION: Coal seam gas protesters are angry at the slow pace of getting a chance to have their say on guidelines
THE state government says guidelines for public comment on exploration licence applications will be available later this month, but it has been criticised for not moving faster to give communities a promised say.
As well, it has emerged a ban on the use of a controversial coal seam gas drilling process called fracking that the government announced in July has not been formally extended to pre-approved activities.
Twenty-one petroleum exploration licences, required for coal seam gas exploration, are awaiting renewal, including three lodged before last year’s state election, but remain in effect.
Among the recent renewal applications are those for AGL Energy’s licences 267 and 4, which cover from Lake Macquarie to the Upper Hunter and take in the vineyards.
The applications nominate land the company would relinquish from its licence areas, but the renewal requests are only made public with the agreement of the applicant or once the government has made a decision.
Vignerons have demanded the government ‘‘ring fence’’ the vineyards area from licence 267, in line with an election commitment to protect the wine country.
Newcastle Herald
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