FARMERS have welcomed the State government's decision to appoint a commissioner to ensure landowners receive fair compensation for coal seam gas exploration.

Under changes to the industry, a new Land and Water Commissioner would oversee the sector, land access agreements would be standardised and the five-year royalty-free period for gas production would end.

The changes were announced by the Deputy Premier, Andrew Stoner.

NSW Farmers Association president Fiona Simson said the announcement was encouraging, and the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association's Rick Wilkinson said while there would be added costs, the success of the industry was more important.

Source - Theland.farmonline.com

(www.coalguru.com)