New South Wales Planning Minister Tony Kelly has inspected potential routes for the pipeline from the air, and said that the inspection reinforced his stance that travelling stock routes and established road corridors should be utilised.
“I do not want prime farming areas of the Liverpool Plains touched, and I will emphasise that when I meet with the proponent again,” Mr Kelly said.
“ESG has been issued with an extensive set of requirements which must be adequately addressed, before its plans for a proposed pipeline can be publically exhibited.”
Mr Kelly said that ESG’s response to these guidelines must include clear justification of the route alignment and detailed consultation with impacted landowners, local councils and government agencies.
“The assessment of the pipeline proposal is still in its very early stages, but I can assure the community, people will have plenty of opportunity to have their say in what is a rigorous and transparent process,” Mr Kelly said.
ESG said that it has diligently followed the planning process overseen by Mr Kelly and the New South Wales Department of Planning.
“As we have always stated, our preference is to use travelling stock routes, or road reserves, wherever feasible – this is why we have invested heavily in the necessary flora, fauna and cultural studies to support our case in relation to travelling stock routes,” ESG Managing Director David Casey said.
“We are methodically working through the Director-General’s requirements in order to lodge an environmental assessment with the New South Wales Government later this year.”
Mr Kelly has called on the New South Wales Liberal Party and Nationals Coalition to outline their position on the proposed pipeline.
Mullaley farmers will soon meet with ESG representatives in Gunnedah to discuss the project.
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