Metgasco and its legal support continue to assess the details of the New South Wales Office of Coal Seam Gas’ decision last week to continue the suspension of the well.

The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association weighed into Metgasco’s struggle again, saying the situation was indicative of a state that encouraged protests against the industry.

“The decision suggests that protest action is now considered by government and regulators to be a proxy for ‘ineffective’ consultation, and therefore grounds for licence suspension,” the industry body said in a statement.

“The NSW government has encouraged the actions of protesters intent on stopping natural gas production.

“The Metgasco work program was approved by relevant regulatory bodies, including the NSW Department of Resources and Energy and the NSW Office of Coal Seam Gas, in consultation with advice from the NSW Office of Water, the NSW Department of Primary Industries, the Environment Protection Authority, and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.”