Tuesday 19 July 2011

COUNCIL CALLS FOR COAL SEAM GAS MINING MORATORIUM

At its July meeting Clarence Valley Council called for the NSW Government to implement a moratorium on coal seam gas (CSG) mining in the Clarence Valley Council Local Government Area “until extensive and independent environmental impact statements have been concluded on the effects on the environment.”

The impacts of CSG mining which were identified as matters of concern in Council’s resolution were:
  • Protection of ground and surface water from pollution and environmental disturbance
  • Community health and safety
  • Ensuring no loss of biodiversity
  • Respect for landowner rights
  • Avoiding economic impacts on agriculture and tourism

In addition to lobbying the State Government, Council will lobby both the Federal Government and the Federal Opposition to raise the issue on a federal level.

The resolution, which was drafted by Councillor Margaret McKenna, who attended the Environmental Defenders Office Seminar on CSG Mining in Grafton in May, was supported by all nine Clarence Valley Councillors.

Other NSW North Coast Councils have also called for a moratorium.  The only Council to the north of the Clarence which has not called for a moratorium on CSG mining is Richmond Valley Council.