AI surveyed more than 1400 people on their knowledge and concerns about CSG, with the research finding that more than a third of respondents had not heard of CSG.

When asked to rank their biggest political issues, it found only 2% of people put CSG as their top choice when given a list of 15 options.

APPEA external affairs director Michael Bradley said more people were concerned about economic growth than CSG.

“Out of the 15 issues nominated by the institute, coal seam gas ranked 13th as a matter of concern, with only 2% of survey respondents saying it is their top concern,” he said.

“Yet ‘economic growth and development’ was the top priority of 18% of respondents.

“The natural gas industry will continue its public information campaign to explain to Australians the consequences of the actions advocated by groups such as the Greens and their partners at the Australia Institute.

“2012 modelling by Deloitte Access Economics showed that the oil and gas industry was responsible for the creation of more than 100,000 jobs across the Australian economy last year.

“It also paid $8.8 billion in taxes and more than four million Australian households and businesses are connected to the natural gas network.

“Developing new supplies is absolutely critical if Australia wants to put downward pressure on energy prices, meaningfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions and bring on the next wave of Australia’s prosperity.”

Australian Institute senior economist Matt Grudnoff said the companies operating in the CSG space were often “wildly overstating the economic benefits of the project”

“This type of gross exaggeration from the gas industry is the reason Australians feel unsure and uninformed about CSG,” he said.