Over the four year application process for AGL Energy's Gloucester coal seam gas project, AGL has continuously worked closely with the Gloucester community and has been open and transparent.

The project received concept plan and major development approval from the independent Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) earlier this year.

Responding to proceedings being brought against the PAC and AGL in the New South Wales Land and Environment court by the Barrington - Gloucester - Stroud Preservation Alliance, AGL Group General Manager Upstream Gas Mike Moraza said, "This development application has been through an extremely rigorous assessment process, including being on extended public display for nine weeks and involving nearly 150 government and community submissions. The project approval was granted subject to more than 70 conditions which must be satisfied prior to project commencement.

"What we are planning to do here is to develop an important low-carbon natural gas resource for New South Wales, a state that currently imports more than 94% of its gas from other states."

Mr Moraza said the application process had taken nearly four years to complete. "Over this time, AGL listened to the community's questions about the project, and engaged in open consultation with the general public and specifically the group lodging the proceedings against the PAC and AGL," he said.

AGL has and will continue to meet regularly with the Gloucester Project's Community Consultation Committee on the Project.

"This development will create valuable local jobs and be an important solution to meeting the state's growing energy demand in an environmentally responsible way.

"The PAC noted that AGL is a 'competent and responsible commercial operator in this field.' We bring plenty of experience to the table as well as a strong commitment to looking after the environment and the communities in which we work."

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated energy companies and is taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers. Drawing on over 170 years of experience, AGL operates retail and merchant energy businesses, power generation assets and an upstream gas portfolio. AGL has one of Australia's largest retail energy and dual fuel customer bases. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, landfill gas and biomass. AGL is Australia's largest private owner and operator of renewable energy assets and is looking to further expand this position by exploring a suite of low emission and renewable energy generation development opportunities.