The Manning Alliance, United Myall Residents Against Gas Extraction (UMRAGE), Barrington Gloucester Stroud Preservation Alliance, Manning Clean Water Action Group and Camden Haven Anti Fracking Group were all present.

“It was very encouraging to have representatives of all anti coal seam gas groups in our region present at this important meeting,” said Troy Lawrence from UMRAGE,

“This collaboration will create a unified attack on the coal seam gas industry through the region.”

This action will begin with Project Blue, launched by the Manning Alliance last week. The groups are encouraging residents to tie a blue ribbon to their front gate, letter box or car on Monday October 31. This is also they day of the state government’s Upper House Inquiry into Coal Seam Gas hearing in Taree. The day has been chosen as Blue Day, when people throughout the Mid North Coast are encouraged to wear something blue.

“Project Blue marks the beginning of co-operation between the groups in the region and already through this exchange we have started to develop strong relationships,” said Peter Epov of the Manning Alliance.

“It is quite obvious to all concerned that in order to be effective we need to work closely together and coordinate our activities. We also need to share information and resources, and support each other’s activities, and we need to present a strong and united front to the various levels of governments and members of parliaments.”

The groups discussed a broad range of issues and ideas for future collaboration. The delegates reached a unanimous decision to unify the region against coal seam gas and to form the Mid Coast Regional Council of Alliances (MCRCA) opposing this form of mining.

The Upper House Inquiry will be held at Club Taree from 11.30am on Monday October 31 and is open to the general public.