APPEA: NSW Requires More Gas, Not More Regulation

APPEA: NSW Requires More Gas, Not More Regulation

Reports that NSW energy costs are set to jump by up to 20 per cent should bring home to the State’s 1.3 million gas customers the very serious consequences posed by the CSG fear agenda of the Greens and other anti-fossil fuel groups.

While South Australia, Queensland, and Victoria possess strong and vibrant energy industries, NSW today imports 95 per cent of its gas supply and stands exposed to the economic shifts underway.

The NSW gas industry has significant potential to grow, and the NSW Government can play a vital role in delivering energy and economic security through the establishment of clear rules which are in place long enough for gas producers to demonstrate that they meet the highest standards and expectations of communities.

APPEA Chief Operating Officer Eastern Australia, Paul Fennelly said: “On the one hand the Greens oppose the safe production of natural gas and call for a move to 100 per cent renewables, yet they simultaneously call for sourcing natural gas from South Australia and Victoria.

“They openly endorse civil disobedience in an effort to close natural gas drilling sites in NSW yet recognise NSW has a looming gas supply problem. They refuse to acknowledge NSW has a responsibility to develop its own gas resources in order to contribute to gas supply in the eastern states.

“The answer to rising gas prices is the delivery of more gas, not the imposition of more regulation.

“Policies that manipulate gas markets to deliver non-commercial outcomes will clearly drive away investment in the sector and hurt residential, commercial, and industrial customers.”

[mappress]

Source: APPEA, February 17, 2014