OAKESHOTT URGES AGL TO TALK TO LOCALS

INDEPENDENT Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott is urging AGL to reconsider its drilling operations near Gloucester amid growing community concern that has resulted in a blockade at Forbesdale.
“I’m asking AGL to consider the impact its activities are having on the Gloucester community, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas, and delay their drilling until the Land and Environment Court hands down its ruling in the new year,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“The delay would have no impact on AGL’s long-term ambitions for the Gloucester basin, if the court supports their approval, but it would carry a lot of weight with a community that simply wants to know if coal-seam gas drilling is likely to affect their ground and surface water.
“It’s not an unreasonable ask, especially as we are heading into the holiday period when many companies close over Christmas-New Year.
“The concerns of the Gloucester community are not unique. There are communities throughout New South Wales and Queensland who are worried about the impact of coal-seam gas extraction on the environment, productive farm lands and on water supplies in particular.
“Those concerns have been echoed by the Commonwealth which has agreed to set aside $150 million to establish an independent, expert scientific committee to research and assess coal-seam gas projects.
“A Senate report last week also highlighted environmental and hydrological concerns associated with coal-seam gas and only this week the NSW Government extended its fracking moratorium.
“There are some serious question marks over coal-seam gas, and mining companies who want to be seen as responsible corporate citizens would do well to act with caution in the short-term if they want long-term community support,” Mr Oakeshott said.
ENDS
Media Contact: Sharon Fuller – Ph. 0429 787320