Coal seam gas exploration and production in NSW: the new access argument

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

The legal frameworks around access to coal seam gas (CSG) resources in NSW are perhaps less developed than in Queensland. Coal appears to be favoured in terms of accessibility over CSG in the premier state. This paper will examine the rules relating to access to CSG resources in NSW; explain the long-standing policy favouring coalover CSG; and, will argue that the state may have to move to amend or overhaul its gas land access arrangements in the next few years.As CSG players look for further reserves in the largely untapped area of NSW coal provinces, the legal arguments about access to extant coal reserves are likely to heat up.