New South Wales, where the coal seam gas (CSG) industry is in its infancy compared with Queensland, is increasingly showing signs it will follow in the footsteps of its northern neighbour and eventually host both export and local supply projects.

Dart Energy ’s expected friendly takeover of Apollo Gas to create a $560 million-plus company will consolidate exploration interests at the smaller end of the industry, typically a precursor to accelerated drilling and appraisal work.