The NSW and Victorian governments are considering action – including dropping current moratoriums on exploration – to deal with the east coast gas shortage.
The Australian reports that the government of NSW premier Mike Baird is preparing to take on environmental and farming lobby groups and assess coal seam gas projects on a “case by case” basis.
NSW energy minister Anthony Roberts said gas was an important manufacturing feedstock as well as energy source.
“Therefore ensuring continued reliable and affordable supply underpins employment and investment in a number of key sectors and locations,” he told The Australian.
An end to Victoria’s moratorium on new projects could be a game-changer for businesses such as fertiliser and aluminium producers, said Lakes Oil CEO Roland Sleeman.
Manufacturers including Dow Chemical and Qenos have been pushing for action on the local gas market, which has been criticised for a lack of transparency in pricing and a lack of competition due to this.
Australia has one of the world’s largest gas reserves, but prices have been forced up due to shortage as new supplies are exported to Asian markets.
According to a report by ABC’s The Business at the beginning of the month, some overseas manufacturers are paying half the price Australian manufacturers are for Australian gas.
Of course Lakes Oil wants the Victorian Government to cave in to the CSG lobby. They own all the most lucrative exploration licences. Thankfully there is no case for lifting the ban, other than the manufactured one of a ‘Shortage”. CSG is bad/awful for everyone.
An article written on the same subject by a writer likewise interested in the advancement of Austalian industry.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/2016/gas-bubble-looms-energy-ministers-baulk-zero-emissions-target-30072
and may I suggest that you also read the comments attached to this article.