COAL SEAM GAS SCARE TACTICS EXPOSED

Thursday, 15 September 2011 15:21

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

Thursday 15 September 2011

COAL SEAM GAS SCARE TACTICS EXPOSED

Resources Minister Chris Hartcher today warned landowners of the distribution of a fake letter regarding coal seam gas activities by the non-existent ‘Hummingbird Mining Consulting’.

Addressed to the ‘Landowner’, the letter details false ‘pre-production work’ to commence from 10 October 2011.

“The NSW Government strongly condemns the antics of extremist critics in stirring up false community concern through the distribution of this letter,” Mr Hartcher said.

 Kevin Anderson Member for Tamworth said to his knowledge the letter had not yet been distributed within in the Tamworth Electorate.

 "This is a cheap attempt at misrepresenting the facts regarding coal seam gas exploration and access arrangements" Mr Anderson said.

 “The fake letter intentionally misrepresents the correct process - companies must enter into written access arrangements with landholders if they wish to undertake any exploration activities on their land.

 “In NSW, coal seam gas exploration can only be carried out on a petroleum exploration licence.

 “Written access arrangements are a mandatory requirement - no written access arrangements with a landholder means no exploration.

 Minister Hartcher said, “Any activity undertaken without an access arrangement would be illegal."

 “Access arrangements may provide for:

• periods during which access may be permitted
• parts of the land on which prospecting may be undertaken
• kinds of prospecting that may be undertaken
• conditions to be observed during prospecting
• protection of the environment
• compensation to be paid to the landholder

“Where an access arrangement cannot be agreed on, legislation provides for an arbitration process.

“The NSW Government actively ensures that exploration occurs according to the law” said Mr Anderson.

ENDS