METGASCO'S coal seam gas (CSG) exploration at the controversial Bentley site, near Lismore on the NSW North Coast, has been suspended and the company has been referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Metgasco’s licence to drill a test well at the Rosella drill site at Bentley was suspended due to concerns the company had not adequately consulted with the community, NSW Resources and Energy Minister, Anthony Roberts said.
Mr Roberts said the Office of Coal Seam Gas (OCSG) had advised him the community had expressed fundamental concerns about the way in which Metgasco had characterised its activities.
“On 13 May 2014 the director of OCSG and the NSW Land and Water Commissioner held a meeting with local landholders, at which matters of consultation between the community and Metgasco were raised.
“The director of OCSG has now suspended the approval to construct the Rosella E01 gas exploration well.”
In a separate matter, Mr Roberts said he had received information regarding shareholdings and interests in Metgasco, which had prompted him to write to the Commissioner of ICAC, the State's corruption watchdog.
“In accordance with Section 11 of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act, I have referred this to the Commissioner to ensure that any decisions pertaining to PEL 16 have been made entirely properly and without any undue interest or influence.”
The suspension was welcomed by Greens MLC Jeremy Buckingham.
"This is a fantastic win for the community and shows that the need for a social licence is both real and necessary," Mr Buckingham said.
“Coal seam gas is unsafe and clearly unwanted in the Northern Rivers and everywhere else across NSW."
As many as 2000 protesters had assembled at the Bentley site to protest Metgasco’s activities.
Speculation was rife that up to 800 police were to be sent to break the blockade early next week – but those plans will likely change, following the government’s actions which will no doubt be met with approval by the protestors.