It is reported that Mr Michael Costa the former NSW Labor Treasurer has told miners the state government came close to declaring a moratorium on new coal mines.

He said that "At least two times in my period of government, there were serious proposals, almost at Cabinet level, to rule out any new coal mines in this state. That's how frightening the countervailing forces became."

Mr Costa criticized the NSW Minerals Council for pursuing an under the radar approach with soft fuzzy ads and saying the industry had to make more noise to protect its interests.

Mr Mike Baird the Shadow Treasurer said he's not going to pander to the Greens during the election campaign. He said "I think mining is a reality and it will be for the next decade and probably two."

He added that "It's how we accommodate that within a balanced structure that I think is the challenge for government."

If elected, Mr Baird said he will focus on improving productivity and access to ports with rail. He said that that's where energy should be expended; productivity is holding us back."

Mr Baird is frustrated by the current Labor government's failure to get the gas industry started in NSW. He said that "I think coal seam methane is frustrating. Queensland got the jump on us. He added that we've got reserves and coal seam gas is critical to maximising future growth."

(Sourced from www.abc.net.au)