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NSW extends CSG fracking moratorium
December 2, 2011

AAP

The NSW government has extended until April next year a moratorium on the controversial fracking process used in coal seam gas (CSG) mining.

Resources Minister Chris Hartcher on Friday announced the moratorium would be extended by four months pending the completion of an independent review.

The announcement comes after a federal parliament Senate committee on Wednesday handed down an interim report on CSG mining, recommending a moratorium on all future CSG projects until further research is carried out.

"The NSW government recognises significant recent community concern over the potential for pollution of aquifers by the coal seam gas industry as part of the fracking process," Mr Hartcher said in a statement.

"That's why we're proceeding with caution and making sure the proper frameworks are in place for the protection of our aquifers, our environment and our prime agricultural land."

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process by which miners inject water or other fluids into cracks in rock to extract gas and/or oil.

The extended moratorium, which was scheduled to end on December 31, will allow for the review and strengthening of existing standards for fracking in NSW, Mr Hartcher said.

Fracking standards are to be reviewed by industry experts as well as the NSW chief scientist and engineer, Professor Mary O'Kane.

Greens mining spokesman Jeremy Buckingham cautiously welcomed the extension, describing it as a sensible decision.

"While welcome, this announcement continues the piecemeal approach to coal seam gas mining by the O'Farrell government," Mr Buckingham said.

"What the community wants is a moratorium on the entire industry until the science is clear, strategic regional land use plans have been completed ... and the aquifer interference regulation has been finalised to the satisfaction of farmers and experts."

© 2011 AAP

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/nsw-extends-csg-fracking-moratorium-20111202-1obep.html

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