The Victorian Government will provide a boost of funds towards research and oversight of potential coal seam gas extraction with the signing of a national agreement with the Commonwealth Government and the establishment of a new Ministerial Advisory Council.
Premier Ted Baillieu said Victoria had signed a National Partnership Agreement on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development to ensure that future decisions were informed by improved scientific and independent expert advice.
“Victoria has strict regulations in place governing coal seam gas exploration which ensure strong protection of the environment,” Mr Baillieu said.
“By signing the Agreement, the Victorian Coalition Government will deliver $10 million in new funding for important scientific research, particularly into Gippsland water resources.
“The extraction of natural gas, both onshore and offshore, has been safely regulated for more than 40 years, protecting communities and the environment. We will ensure that this record continues,” Mr Baillieu said.
Under the Agreement, Victoria will have access to advice from the Commonwealth’s new Independent Expert Scientific Committee to strengthen the assessment of any proposals for coal seam gas development or large scale coal mining.
Minister for Energy and Resources Michael O’Brien said demand for natural gas in Victoria was expected to double by 2030.
