CSG issue heats up ahead of election

Coal seam gas (CSG) is proving to be a big issue in the lead up to the NSW state election, with the Baird government cancelling three more licences.

The government is making the most of its week-long extension of the buy-back period for the controversial licences.

So far, seven Petroleum Exploration Licences (PELs) have been bought back and cancelled this week in areas including the Northern Rivers, Central Coast, Sydney metropolitan area and the Northern Tablelands, among others.

CSG is an issue both the coalition government and Labor are working to defuse ahead of March 28.

Last week, Opposition Leader Luke Foley targeted seats in far north NSW, where he proposed a CSG moratorium across the state that would include a ban on activity on the north coast and in sensitive Sydney water catchment areas.