The premier says a move to create a buffer zone between homes and coal seam gas mines isn’t a ploy to win marginal western Sydney seats for the Liberal Party at the federal election.
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell says a move to create a buffer zone between homes and coal seam gas mines isn’t a ploy to win marginal western Sydney seats for the Liberal Party at the federal election.
He’s also dismissed claims it will result in a hike in power prices or create uncertainty for business.
Mr O’Farrell dismissed claims from the Greens and federal independent MP Tony Windsor that the state government was caving in to community concerns in order to win marginal seats.
“I’ve not had a single conversation with a (federal politician) about these matters,” the premier said.
He said the government had listened to community concerns and “fine-tuned” its land use policy announced last September.
He brushed aside claims by energy companies and the petroleum industry that the move would add to the gas supply crisis in NSW and cause gas and electricity prices to rise.
“Of course they would say that,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“I am not surprised at push-back from business ... (but) business, like our children, needs boundaries.”
Resources Minister Chris Hartcher said there would continue to be a gas industry in NSW.
“This decision today in no way impacts upon gas supply for the years ahead,” Mr Hartcher said.
“This decision sets the regulatory framework in which the industry will develop.”
Mr O’Farrell said his hands were tied where approvals had already been granted, such as a controversial coal seam gas project at Gloucester.
“I can’t wind back what’s happened in the past,” he said.
“Business have been told very clearly today, hands off residential zones across the state.”
Mr O’Farrell sidestepped questions about whether the buffer zone was an acknowledgment the industry was unsafe, saying the zone was to protect people’s homes as assets.
NSW Opposition leader John Robertson said the government needed to go further.