A company which owns gas permits across the Moree Plains Shire has welcomed the approval of the Narrabri Gas Project and signalled an intent to resume exploration of the region.
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Comet Ridge put out an announcement on Thursday, welcoming the NSW Independent Planning Commission's approval for Santos' Narrabri Gas Project.
Last year the company said it would "revisit the significant acreage" it holds in the region "once Narrabri is approved".
Comet Ridge has joint ownership of three Petroleum Exploration Licences (PELs) - which cover thousands of square kilometres across Moree and Coonamble, Walgett and Warrumbungles shires - with Santos.
On Thursday the company said it "anticipates a return to exploration and appraisal in the key PEL 427 and PEL 6 permits" - which fall in the Moree Plains Shire.
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Comet Ridge managing director Tor McCaul said these blocks are highly prospective for natural gas, with a number of wells having been drilled in the past, particularly in the southern part of PEL 427 and across PEL 6.
"There has been very limited exploration activity on these blocks for a number of years with the last well drilled in 2010," the company said.
"However, there is recent emphasis from federal and state governments to input more natural gas into the east coast gas market for the benefit of manufacturers and the economy more broadly."
Comet Ridge said in its statement that Santos, on behalf of the joint venture participants, has submitted renewal applications for the three permits PEL 6, PEL 427 and PEL 428.
Renewals of these exploration permits will allow exploration and appraisal in this area to recommence.
Moree Plains Gas Pipeline Group member Kerrie Matchett said while this news is not surprising following Wednesday's approval of the Narrabri Gas Project, it confirms the group's fears that Moree could become the next gasfield.
"This announcement by Comet Ridge should be a wake-up call for anyone who mistakenly thought the Narrabri Gas Project wouldn't affect Moree or our community," she said.
"A wake-up call for how the Morrison government's Gas Fired Recovery policy has signalled it is okay to open up our beautiful landscape and way of life to the horrors of coal seam gas extraction.
"Moree community and industries need to send a clear message to John Barilaro [NSW Deputy Premier], who has the authority to approve these applications, that this industry is not welcome or needed.
"I should hope our Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall will speak out against the National Party pro-gas stance and advocate for our agricultural community who will be unable to operate if these PELs are renewed and developed."
Comet Ridge said it will provide further updates to the market in due course.
Comet Ridge has been contacted for further comment and the Moree Champion is awaiting a response from Northern Tablelands MP and Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall.