The NSW Government has an ambitious reform agenda that is set out in the strategic plan NSW 2021 – A Plan to Make NSW Number One.
A priority action of the Plan says:
“ Increasing business investment by an average of 4% per year will provide the foundation for securing jobs and long-term economic activity in NSW. We will achieve this target by making NSW the first choice for local and international investors and by supporting our existing businesses to grow.”
“ In addition to developing our opportunities in Sydney, Western Sydney, the Hunter, the Illawarra, regional NSW will be supported to play a key role in our future economic growth.”
The Plan includes specific goals to create an additional 100,000 jobs in NSW, including 40,000 in regional NSW. It also targets a 20% reduction in red tape for businesses and the community by June 2015.
Yet, the Government is adopting policies that are slowing development of an onshore gas industry in NSW.
Benefits to NSW from natural gas production include more jobs and additional payments for contractors, many in the state’s disadvantaged regional areas. The natural gas industry would also provide additional government revenue to support NSW community services.
If NSW is serious about its plan to become number one, its time to get serious about natural gas.