After weeks of enquiries and confusion around the status of the local coal seam gas project, Stop CSG Illawarra has finally received a clear statement from The Department of Planning and Infrastructure. They have confirmed that drilling cannot happen at this time.
Development consent for all CSG wells in the Illawarra – approval to drill and run them – is now invalid.
This outcome is the result of the extraordinary and tireless efforts of so many in the Illawarra community, standing together to stop CSG mining. It shows the strength of the campaign to date and marks a serious setback to the local project. It puts a freeze on the immediate threat of CSG development to the Nepean and Woronora drinking water catchments.
What the Government does now is a huge test. Will they reinstate the project in the face of enormous risk and community opposition?
Fifteen wells were approved for development in 2009, and a determination modified to include a sixteenth well in 2011. However, the determination [PDF] states that drilling and operation of the wells must take place before the expiry of one of two relevant licences, unless the director-general of the planning department steps in. The two relevant licences – PEL 442 and PEL 444 – expired in February and April this year, and PEL 442 has lapsed.
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Stop CSG Illawarra
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