CONTROVERSIAL coal seam gas (CSG) proponent Grainger Energy has been refused the right to explore in the Riverina.
NSW Minister for Resources and Energy Anthony Roberts has more exploration applications in his sights near Nowra, Moree and Bylong.
Mr Roberts said Grainger’s application was “manifestly deficient”. He knocked back Grainger’s five Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) applications across some 40,000 square kilometres in the heart of the district’s productive irrigation land.
“It is considered that the proponent lacks the financial and technical capabilities to undertake the work program it has proposed within the NSW regulatory framework,” Mr Roberts said.
“Grainger Energy, which has one owner/director, was formed just six days prior to lodging its application, has no history of conducting petroleum exploration activities and has submitted a manifestly deficient application.”
Mr Roberts said the NSW government will also issue a ‘Show Cause’ notice asking Leichhardt Resources why it should not cancel its three Petroleum Exploration Licences (PELs 468-470) near Moree, across Nowra and between Bylong and Denham.
“These PELs were granted on 30 April 2009 and renewed in February 2013 and are due to expire on 30 April 2018.
“We are sending a strong message that the NSW government takes compliance with licence conditions seriously,” he said.
Mike Foley
Senior journalist for The Land.
Senior journalist for The Land.
