Concurrently, the Division of Resources and Energy has released the draft framework for the strategic release of coal and petroleum exploration licences and assessment leases for public exhibition.

The framework includes for limited direct allocations to existing titleholders for defined “operational works” (subject to market interest tests), and a strategic release framework for larger areas through competitive allocation.

The draft framework is a step in the in the right direction, however there are many details that still need to be developed, according to the NSW Minerals Council.

The Bills are a key part of the NSW government's response to last year's report by the chief scientist and engineer on coal seam gas, and also draw on recommendations from the recent ICAC inquiry into coal exploration licences and the examination of the land access arbitration framework by Bret Walker SC, according to legal firm Clayton Utz.

“The Bills support the Improved Management of Exploration Regulation (IMER) which was a key step in a significant overhaul of NSW exploration regulation being phased in this year, and the NSW Gas Plan, which provided the government's initial response to the chief scientist,” Clayton Utz said in a note.