PEOPLE power has won - the NSW Government is holding the most comprehensive inquiry yet into the burgeoning coal seam gas (CSG) industry.
It follows huge pressure from communities around the State for a moratorium on CSG exploration as companies eye new reserves in the Hunter and State's North West.
Greens MLC, Jeremy Buckingham, who instigated the inquiry, said it was distinct from the Federal Senate inquiry as it was focused on NSW alone and NSW legislation.
"This inquiry will provide a forum for the hundreds of community groups and experts concerned about CSG at a vital time, with massive plans for expansion of the gas industry on the planning books and community concern building to a crescendo," he said.
NSW Resources and Energy Minister, Chris Hartcher, welcomed the inquiry, saying it was important to fully understand the implications of CSG before progressing further.
"We need to take a closer look - we have public engagement and informed discussion on this issue," he said.
Last month the government issued a raft of "tougher" CSG regulations including a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing - 'fraccing' - until December 31, but CSG exploration and extraction will continue in NSW while the inquiry is underway.
Gas companies were also positive, with Santos spokesman, Sam Crafter, saying it was an opportunity to demonstrate the significant potential role CSG could play in the renewable energy sector in NSW.
Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) chief operating officer, Rick Wilkinson, said the industry was confident it would stand up to scrutiny and highlight its value.
"The inquiry will also hear that in Queensland alone, the CSG industry is set to create more than 18,000 jobs, largely in regional areas, and will pay $850 million in State taxes every year, " Mr Wilkinson said.
He pointed out gas produced up to 70 per cent fewer emissions than coal.
"The CSG industry in NSW is one with much to offer and nothing to hide."
NSW Farmers Association president, Fiona Simson, said her organisation hoped the inquiry findings would inform strategic land use planning.
"We also welcome the speed with which the inquiry will report, and hope its findings will be taken into account in any future approvals or extensions of licences," Mrs Simson said.
Caroona Coal Action Group's (CCAG) CSG spokeswoman, Rosemary Nankivell, said the inquiry was a welcome development.
"But the state government is the major beneficiary of CSG so we hope for a very transparent and accountable inquiry that reflects the mood of the people of NSW and the CCAG on Liverpool Plains," Mrs Nankivell said.
Gunnedah mayor, Adam Marshall, said he was impressed with the comprehensive scope of the inquiry.
"You could say it's long overdue. I think it's absolutely critical to have a State inquiry because they are the level of government responsible for regulating and monitoring the industry, approving or refusing projects, they are the consent authority," he said.
Bylong Valley Protection Alliance president, Peter Grieves, said "it was about time" an inquiry was held.
"We have a real chance to get things right, and we don't want to blow it," he said.
"This inquiry, hopefully, will be a big help in that regard.
"At the heart of all this is the need for comprehensive and strategic land use planning.
"Where's the strategy?
"And what's the basis for the strategy?
"That's what we've been missing."
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