COUNCILS will have the power to exempt mining companies from coal seam gas bans under a NSW government proposal, but the Greens say it will open areas up to exploitation by a ruthless industry”.
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The state government announced a crackdown on the industry earlier this month in response to community concerns about coal seam gas mining.
It’s proposing to ban all coal seam gas activity within two kilometres of residential areas and industry clusters, such as horse breeders and wine producers.
The measures prompted an outcry from energy companies who claimed gas bills would rise, while billions of dollars of investment could be driven out of NSW.
Planning Minister Brad Hazzard released the government’s proposed amendment to the Mining State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) on Thursday for community comment.
“Once finalised, the policy will ensure coal seam gas exploration and production activities cannot occur in country towns, suburbs, villages and critical industry clusters across NSW,” he said.
However, under a clause contained in the draft plan, local councils can identify areas of land to be exempt from the coal seam gas development prohibition.
Greens mining spokesman Jeremy Buckingham said local councils struggling to provide infrastructure and services would be susceptible to industry offers of assistance in return for exemptions.
“(It would) expose local councils to corruption risks and pressure from powerful mining interests,” he said.
“Allowing local councils to opt out of the SEPP is a highly unusual step and adds a loophole that may allow coal seam gas in these areas.
“The Greens are very concerned that multi-billion dollar oil companies will be able to exert influence on local councils and open the door to coal seam gas mining in areas that would normally be excluded by this SEPP.”
Mr Buckingham again called for other agricultural areas and farmland to be included in the exclusion zones.
“The SEPP should apply state-wide so that all citizens enjoy the same protection,” he said.