I’ve just returned from a trip to northern NSW, visiting a few towns and regions concerned about coal seam gas. One of the places I visited was Walgett, a small town that is a few hours drive from the Pilliga where Santos have a coal seam gas exploration and pilot production operation.
[On Thursday 15 December] …approximately fifty people attended the What Is In Our Water Forum at the Walgett RSL Memorial Hall. This meeting was organised by Lock The Gate Walgett a group of concerned community members who wish to raise awareness about the risks and dangers associated with coal seam gas mining in NSW.
Attendees of this meeting included local business owners, medical practitioners, police officials, members from the Walgett Shire Council, NSW Farmers Association, the Walgett Catchment Management Authority and the Dharriwaa Elders Group.
The meeting heard personal statements from Federal ministers including Robert Oakeshott MP, Mark Coulton MP and local State MP Kevin Humphries.
The meeting passed the following motion:
We demand the NSW government place a moratorium on all current and future exploration and production licences for coal seam gas activities across NSW until the following demands are met:
• A full and comprehensive water study of the Pilliga region, including the Namoi River and the relevant sections of the Great Artesian Basin.
• Clear information is disclosed to the public concerning the chemicals used and produced (including BTEX, and the discharge created) during coal seam gas activities and processes.
• All mining companies be held accountable for their activities throughout the Pilliga, including any damage to the Namoi River and the Great Artesian Basin and ensure that these areas are not subjected to further environmental damage.
• The health and environmental quality of the Pilliga water ways are restored to a pre-coal seam gas mining state.
Here are some photos from my trip to Walgett…
Kids scoot down the main street of Walgett, past the RSL where Lock the Gate Walgett host one of their first town meetings about the impacts of coal seam gas.
The meeting was held in the hall of the local RSL.
Stickers and brochures on hand to provide more information.
Walgett RSL played host to the community meeting.
People start to arrive for the meeting.
Some of the local’s who came along to hear about coal seam gas.
After two hours, some attendees stuck around to ask more questions, convener of Lock the Gate Walgett, Daniel Robins, answers questions at the end of the meeting.
After the meeting we ate take-away from the local Chinese restaurant, enjoyed wine from Margaret River, and found a frog in a glass.
We left town and headed toward the Pilliga as the sun rose over Walgett.
For the full set, see gallery here.
Locating Walgett:
