Mr Buckingham is promoting the Greens proposed 12 month moratorium on coal seam gas mining which is currently moving through the Upper House of Federal Parliament.

“We want to stop coal seam gas mining for 12 months effective immediately until a full special enquiry into the mining practice is conducted,” Mr Buckingham said.

“Coal seam gas mining has not been proven safe and does not have a social mandate.”

Mr Buckingham also expressed the view that the bill should receive bipartisan support from the Nationals saying the issue has a broad constituency.

“This is not a ‘greeny’ issue or an issue purely for the Greens. The Nationals have the chance to support the bill that has the support of such a wide cross-section of the electorate.”

Mr Buckingham believes that the issue is a key one for the Great Lakes area believing a healthy and clean water supply is vital to the region’s continuing prosperity.

“Everyone knows that the Great Lakes is a beautiful place to visit and a lot of that appeal comes from the pristine water conditions. And what that does for tourism in the area.”

He also pointed out that a clean water supply was essential for the area’s aquaculture industries.

“Those aquaculture industries like fishing and oyster farming also rely on a clean water supply and cannot afford a short term rush for further mining interests affect their long term viability.

Mr Buckingham also took the opportunity to support the federal government pricing of carbon and the benefits it will bring to the area.

“The carbon tax will drive investment into clean energy and bring about long tem benefits for the region.”