The federal government's draft energy white paper has been slammed by the opposition, Greens and conservation groups and has received a lukewarm response from state governments.
The Greens said the paper emphasised the benefits of coal seam gas without recognising the costs to the community and the environment, The Australian Financial Review reports.
"How can you possibly plan for Australia's energy future without factoring in the true costs of this energy source – the costs to water, to land, the environment and the climate, as well as the economic impacts on other industries?" Greens senator Larissa Waters said.
The white paper refers to the need for "community acceptance" and for coal seam gas to be developed "safely", but does not cost any impact on water or the environment.