WHILE new mining and coal seam gas (CSG) exploration and development is ostensibly in hiatus pending finalisation of the NSW Government's strategic regional land use policies, the Victorian Government is being urged to fast-track the resources industry.
In NSW, although many exploration licences (ELs) have expired, operations are continuing until renewal applications addressed, including Leichhardt Resources at Bellata and Metgasco in northern NSW.
A spokeswoman for NSW Resources and Energy Minister Chris Hartcher said in accordance with section 20 of the Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991, exploration licences remain in force until the renewal application is dealt with.
"The NSW Government has not granted or renewed one single exploration licence since the election as it works to implement new controls to regulate CSG exploration," she said.
But, in a move that is likely to infuriate farmers and landholders in Victoria, a bipartisan inquiry report handed down this week recommends removing barriers to greenfields development of mining in that State.
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The Land
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