Govt 'stalling' on evidence, says Metgasco

Natural gas explorer Metgasco Ltd initiated a Supreme Court action over the government's suspension of its approval to drill the Rosella exploration well near Bentley in May.

Metgasco managing director and CEO Peter Henderson claimed the government failed to lodge its supporting evidence regarding the case to the court by August 8, when it was due.

On August 12, the government advised the court it had decided not to present evidence, Mr Henderson said.

"We are surprised by the NSW government's decision not to submit evidence. As a result, Metgasco will explore a range of other options to have the documents produced.

"The NSW government's suspension of Metgasco's drilling approval did significant damage to Metgasco and undermined investment confidence in the resource and infrastructure industries in NSW," Mr Henderson said.

By not submitting any witness statements, it made it impossible for those who made the suspension decision to be cross-examined, he claimed.

"By resisting the production of documentary evidence, government decision-making lacks transparency and further undermines investor confidence."

Mr Henderson said the hearing of the case had now been delayed to be in December rather than October, due to the availability of judges.

A spokesman for Resources Minister Anthony Roberts played a straight bat to Metgasco's claims.

"As the matter remains the subject of ongoing litigation, the NSW government will not be making further comment," the spokesman said.

"The NSW government stands by its previous statements that it will continue to pursue titleholders to ensure they maintain high standards of community consultation."

At the time of the suspension, Mr Roberts said the exploration licence was suspended on the grounds of inadequate community consultation, which was a condition of the licence.