APGA Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright

The Federal and New South Wales governments' commitment to further research into gas development in NSW is welcome, but any further delay must be avoided in the development of gas reserves, the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association said.

'While significant scientific studies, including by the NSW Chief Scientist, have found that developing gas reserves in NSW can be undertaken safely in a clear legislative framework with high engineering standards, this new work by the CSIRO should further improve knowledge and understanding,' APGA Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright said.

'We must hope that this is the last delay in the development of Australia's gas reserves as NSW needs to begin increasing its own gas supply to help counter the expected supply shortage as gas exports expand.'

APGA was responding to the joint announcement by Federal Energy Minister, Ian Macfarlane, and NSW Energy Minister, Anthony Roberts, that the Governments would provide $3 million for the CSIRO and industry research on the social and environmental impacts of coal seam gas development.

'Natural gas needs to be developed in NSW to meet the challenge of supply, and to help reduce carbon emissions from electricity generation,' Ms Cartwright said.

Tags: Australian Pipelines and Gas Association