The NSW Gas Plan falls short of world's best practice in safeguarding communities from coal seam gas exploration, a report by the Environmental Defenders Office has claimed.
The NSW Chief Scientist has given the green light to CSG exploration, on the condition that the state lifts its game and puts a world-class scheme in place to manage the risk.
An analysis of world's best practice by the Environmental Defenders Office has highlighted several countries it says are doing better than the vision outlined last month by Energy Minister Anthony Roberts.
Germany will ban fracking in water protection areas and above 3000 metres from next year in order to protect public health and water. German companies will have to prove they are not responsible for any environmental or property damage.
In Alberta, Canada, the public can determine the location of no-go zones for fracking. Alberta has also reduced flaring from gas wells by 72 per cent – protecting air quality – by charging royalties on flared gas, and requiring a permit.
Meanwhile California demands a $1 million bond per well to protect against environmental damage.
EDO NSW policy director Rachel Walmsley said the NSW Government is continuing to make piecemeal changes to CSG legislation, with three rules changes and the Gas Plan released since the Chief Scientist's report.
"There needs to be comprehensive legal change. Our concern is they are doing it bit by bit and it is confusing for communities. It is so complex, it is not world class," she said.
A spokesman for Mr Roberts said the Gas Plan "is not a finished product", and minimum conditions around safety were still being determined.
The government will analyse geographical areas for economic, environmental and social impact, and consult the community, before allowing licences in the future, he said.
The government had acted on the most urgent issues, including cancelling 16 petrol exploration licences, ahead of a "reset" for the industry.
