NSW—Strategic release of exploration areas
In November 2014 the New South Wales (NSW) Government set out a series of actions to pause, reset and restart a sustainable gas industry for NSW. NSW gas demand and supply reinforce the need for the development of a gas industry. Under this reset, gas exploration areas will be released through the Strategic Release Framework process. The Framework is an independent and transparent process. Utilising geological, economic, environmental and social data including the outcomes of community engagement, areas considered suitable for exploration will be nominated for release. The Framework recognises that there are competing uses for land, and seeks to balance these interests. The Advisory Body, being the independent review body, will conduct these assessments. All release areas will be the subject of a competitive selection process.