The Minns Labor Government will open new areas for gas exploration in NSW for the first time in more than a decade, taking decisive steps to secure the State’s energy supply for households and businesses.
Two regions in the state's Far West – the Bancannia and Pondie Range Troughs – will be opened for gas exploration. These opportunities for new gas supply will complement the Narrabri Gas Project.
To attract investment and ensure NSW remains competitive with other states, the Government will also update regulations to reduce the gas exploration licence application fee from $50,000 to $1,000.
Not all exploration licences proceed to gas production.