"The moratorium is part of the transitional arrangements to allow for the phased implementation of the Strategic Regional Land Use Policy.

"The transitional phase will allow a number of interim measures to be put in place while the NSW Government engages with key stakeholders.

Mr Bromhead said the transitional measures include:

o An immediate 60 day moratorium on the granting of new coal, coal seam gas, and petroleum exploration licenses in NSW;

o A requirement that all applications for exploration licenses be exhibited for public comment;

o The public notification of guidelines which will inform the assessment of impacts on strategic agricultural land from proposed development activities;

o A requirement that all new coal, coal seam gas, and petroleum extraction applications must be accompanied by an Agricultural Impact Statement;

o The exhibition of an Aquifer Interference Regulation for public comment ? which once implemented, will introduce a suite of new measures to better regulate activities that impact on aquifers;

o A stakeholder reference group consisting of the key agricultural, industrial and conservation groups to advise on the policy's development and implementation.

"The transitional measures are the first step in providing a comprehensive framework for the management of competing land uses across regional areas of New South Wales

The NSW Government's approach is based on Regional Strategic Plans that will introduce a tailored approach to the specific needs, challenges and opportunities of each region.

"Regional Strategic Plans will ensure a balanced and sustainable management of competing land uses in each region rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach to land use planning, said Mr Bromhead.