Background Paper on Community Concerns in Relation to Coal Seam Gas

This background paper has been prepared for the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer (OCSE). This paper is prepared as an input to an independent review of coal seam gas (CSG) activities in NSW, being undertaken by the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer in accordance with a request made by the Premier of NSW on February 21st 2013. The requirement for this background paper was that it would provide information and discussion about community concerns in relation to CSG. The headings in the report mirror those provided in Schedule E by OCSE. The initial section of this report outlines the main areas for community concern followed by a section on the health, and other potential, impacts of these concerns. This is then followed by some discussion about possible strategies that could be considered to help lessen community concerns and associated issues with CSG development. Finally, consideration is given to any knowledge gaps and unknowns and closing comments.