The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) said that while voters were beginning to see through scaremongering campaigns surrounding CSG development, more needs to be done.
“The Green vote in two electorates – Barwon/Upper Hunter – where gas projects are under development to meet up to 65 per cent of the state’s gas supply needs, remains stagnant,”? an APPEA spokesperson told Gas Today.
“Despite developing results in Lismore and Ballina, where no major gas projects are under development, people are seeing through big scaremongering campaigns intent on closing down gas supply, businesses, investment and jobs.
“As the NSW Chief Scientist has previously pointed out, technical challenges and risks posed by the industry can be safely managed.”?
Relief for Santos
A Santos spokesperson also told Gas Today that the company welcomes the result, as it can now move forward with certainty and deliver much needed gas into the state.
“Voters have rejected the position taken by Labor leader Luke Foley to shut down the CSG industry including the Narrabri Gas Project,”? the spokesperson said.
“The Government now has a clear mandate to proceed with the further development of a safe and sustainable CSG industry in NSW.
“Santos will be working closely with the Government, customers, investors and the Narrabri community to deliver the Narrabri Gas Project.”?
Meanwhile, results from two investigations into the discovery of restricted chemicals at AGL’s Waukivory pilot CSG projects by the Environmental Protection Authority and the Division of Resources and Energy are still due for release, which could see a further groundswell of opposition in the state’s north.