THE NSW government has announced a review of the vexed land access arbitration process, Minister for Resources and Energy Anthony Roberts announced today.
The review will be carried out by State Counsel Brett Walker.
Mr Roberts said the review was prompted by public concern, which relates largely to exploration for and expansion of coal mining.
No arbitration has yet taken place over coal seam gas exploration.
Landowners' concerns centre on potential conflicts of interest for government appointed arbitrators, cost of legal proceedings, competing with the legal expertise of mining companies and the time demands placed on landowners.
“There have been concerns raised by the public that the land access arbitration process lacks transparency and consistency. Concerns have also been raised about arbitrators and perceived conflicts of interest,” Mr Roberts said.
Announcement of the review follows recent concessions made to landholders – where AGL and Santos signed a commitment not to explore on land without the owners' consent and the government’s six month freeze on new coal seam gas exploration licenses.
Mr Walker has participated in independent inquiries, including the Special Commission of Inquiry into Sydney Ferries 2007, the Commission of Inquiry on the Thredbo Landslide 2000 and the Special Commission of Inquiry into Campbelltown and Camden Hospitals 2003-2004.
A final report and recommendations are expected to be completed within 12 weeks.
Submissions on land access arbitration can be lodged until May 23, 2014. Email: arbitration.submissions@trade.nsw.gov.au
Mike Foley
Senior journalist for The Land.
Senior journalist for The Land.
