The Liberal National Coalition’s policy would see greater caution in the granting of new exploration licences.

Shadow primary industries minister Duncan Gay said the policy would bring about a fairer balance between mining and agriculture.

“We recognise there is an urgent need to strengthen the assessment of the impact of mining and coal seam gas extraction and that’s why we will immediately implement a tougher process, taking a precautionary approach,” Mr Gay said.

The policy would also include a requirement on all new mining and petroleum applicants to undertake explicit agricultural productivity impact assessments as part of their environmental impact statements.

There would also be the introduction of regulations regarding water aquifers.

The policy announcement has been cautiously welcomed by the mining and thoroughbred industries.

NSW Minerals Council chief executive officer Dr Nikki Williams said it was a positive step forward for communities and land users.

“NSW needs strategic regional land use plans to minimise conflicts and to maximise the capacity of our communities, our industries and our economy,” Dr Williams said.

“Our regions will only prosper in the future with diverse economies that can accommodate a range of industries.”

However, Dr Williams said some aspects of the policy could hurt people in regional NSW who relied on the minerals sector if not implemented effectively.

She said the proposal to reject any mining application that may have a detrimental impact on strategic agricultural land during the transitional period was a “significant concern”.

Dr Williams said she was pleased the Coalition had not suggested a moratorium on mining approvals.

The Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association said the policy would restore balance, certainty and sustainability to the region, however it cautioned that it was important the Coalition “got the details right”.

Tim Duddy, independent candidate for the seat of Upper Hunter, said he was dubious about the policy, claiming it was short on detail.

“The Coalition made promises 19 months ago that it would address land use issues associated with mining and it has taken all that time to produce a five-page document promising reform,” Mr Duddy said.

q State Matters with Upper Hunter MP George Souris: Page 18