Sky News: NSW coal seam gas exploration freeze extended

The NSW government is set to extend the freeze on coal seam gas (CSG) exploration licences for another year while it continues to investigate the transparency of applications.

The freeze on new Petroleum Exploration Licences announced six months ago was due to end on Friday.

But NSW Resources and Energy Minister Anthony Roberts said the freeze will continue until September 2015.

In March, then premier Barry O'Farrell accused the former Labor government of granting petroleum exploration licences 'like confetti' and warned the government would also audit existing licences.

He also criticised Labor for only charging $1000 for exploration applications, which was 'less than Ian Macdonald (former mining minister) spent on his average lunch'.

That fee has since been raised to $50,000. MORE