COAL seam gas exploration in NSW will face a new approval hurdle with the state government poised to sign up to new protocols being requested by the federal government.
The Herald understands that following a request last year from Canberra, the O'Farrell government will sign the agreement which will require projects to undergo greater environmental scrutiny before being approved.
As a consequence, NSW will be eligible for a share of $50 million in incentive payments Canberra has for co-operative states.
The so-called National Partnership Agreement on Coal Seam gas and Large Coal Mining comes as a result of demands made by the NSW independent MP, Tony Windsor, in return for his support for the legislation for the minerals resources rent tax.
Mr Windsor, who holds the electorate of New England, shared growing concerns about the impact on farming and the environment of the rampant growth of coal seam gas exploration and coal mining.
Blacktown Sun
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