THE NSW Office of Coal Seam Gas is set to determine the fate of Metgasco’s controversial plans to drill a gas exploration well at Bentley, near Lismore.
The decision to uphold or reinstate Metgasco’s drilling licence is expected to be made public tomorrow, June 26.
On May 15, Mr Roberts announced the Office of Coal Seam Gas (OCSG) had suspended Metgasco’s licence for the Rosella well.
Mr Roberts said Metgasco had not fulfilled a condition of its licence, to undertake genuine and effective consultation with the community.
Citing advice from OCSG, Mr Roberts said the community had expressed “fundamental concerns about the way in which Metgasco had characterised its activities”.
The government advised Metgasco it would make a determination by Thursday, June 26, prior to a judicial review which is set to start on June 27.
Metgasco claims the suspension of its drilling licence was unlawful, and denied procedural fairness.
The company said it may seek compensation for the halt to its operations.
More to come
Mike Foley
Senior journalist for The Land.
Senior journalist for The Land.
