Last week, a new coal seam gas drilling site with 110 extraction wells was approved near Gloucester and just a few months ago a yellow plane was seen flying over the area to identify the potential for possible future coal seam methane gas exploration.

Two upcoming community forums aim to explain the dangers of fracking, a process that involves injecting a cocktail of water, sand and toxic chemicals deep underground to force gas to the surface. In the US these chemicals have made their way into and polluted water supplies.

Next Wednesday NSW Greens environmental spokesperson Cate Faehrmann will make a short presentation on the practice following a ten minute film on mining in our region (local winner of the 2009 Forster Film Festival). The floor will then be open to general discussion.

“If people think this issue is not important for us in the Myall Lakes electorate they are wrong,” Myall Lakes Greens candidate Greg Smith said.

“Coal gas seam mining can affect the water table and our river systems. Do we really want to drink water contaminated by methane gas or chemicals?”

“It’s unacceptable that this government has been approving coal seam gas exploration in the state’s drinking water catchments, yet we’ve seen approval after approval given for companies to mine in sensitive areas and close to rivers and dams. This is extreme madness,” Ms Faehrmann said.

Mr Smith said a host of electorates, including Myall Lakes, are staging public forums trying to stop the mining that the two major parties support.

The Forster forum will be held next Wednesday March 23 at the Marine Rescue Building on Forster Breakwall from 7pm to 8pm. The Taree forum will be held at Café Mediterrano at 232 Victoria St between 4pm and 5pm.

Ms Faehrmann will also be answering questions on local radio stations Great Lakes FM 101.5 following the 2pm news and 2BOB Radio 104.7 following the 5pm news.