CANDIDATES running for the seat of Myall Lakes in the State election on March 28 have all highlighted the importance of preserving the environment in the discussion about the future of Coal Seam Gas (CSG) exploration on the Mid North Coast.
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Sitting member Stephen Bromhead reaffirmed his position on CSG, which was that it should be banned if it “pollutes the environment, water or agricultural land”.
“I am pleased with the decision of NSW Energy Minister Anthony Roberts MP to suspend AGL’s operations at its pilot coal seam gas field in Gloucester,” he said.
“I wholeheartedly support the suspension of the AGL licence while a thorough and rigorous investigation takes place into chemicals found in water monitoring bores. I also support the cancellation of the AGL licence if the investigation’s findings show coal seam gas extraction cannot be done safely.”
Mr Bromhead would not comment on Great Lakes Council’s vote on whether the local government area should be declared CSG-free, stating it was a matter for council.
Labor candidate Dr David Keegan said his concerns about the health effects of extractive industries were long-standing and he would have liked to see the Great Lakes taking a strong stand on the issue.
“While water contamination is the biggest concern, there is also the danger of fugitive gases in the air causing health problems,” he said.
“There needs to be rigorous scientific analysis of any project.”
Dr Keegan said any contaminations of the waterways at the Gloucester gas project could have repercussions for communities from Bulahdelah to Taree. The ALP has promised to ban CSG activity in the northern part of NSW and introduce very tight controls.
Greens candidate Stephen Ballantine has slammed Great Lakes Council for failing to vote for CSG-free status. He said it was “blind” of Great Lakes Council to “literally endanger the residents of the shire” by not siding with Gloucester Shire in its bid to prevent more CSG developments in the area.
He said the Greens advocated a complete ban of CSG activity and more areas should be following the example of Tasmania, which last week completely banned fracking for the next five years.
“Blind Freddy can see what’s going on. The economy of Forster Tuncurry, with the size of its fishing, boating and oyster industries, is tied to the health of its waterways. We can’t risk damage to the lake and the rivers in the area,” Mr Ballantine said.
“We can’t have our heads in the sand on this issue.”
Independent candidate Steve Attkins said the economic benefits of CSG activity did not stack up against the risks associated, which had been highlighted by the issues with ground water contamination and problems with the disposal of waste water from the first test wells fracked at Gloucester.
“We are a very sensitive region due to our geological, topographical and ground water structures. We are risking our water quality and security by pursuing Coal Seam Gas exploration,” he said.
“The supposed economic benefits do not flow to our community, and the gas story from the government is full of holes. Global gas supply is massive yet other technologies are being employed around the world.”
Mr Attkins also highlighted his concerns about fugitive methane gas emissions and a lack of transparency in the production of CSG.
“Our ecosystem is fragile in the Manning and Great Lakes district. Our economy is underpinned by the benefits that our pristine natural environment offers - oyster production, tourism and clean water.”
Candidates forum tonight (Wednesday March 4):
RESIDENTS will have the chance to hear what the Myall Lakes candidates have to say on a range of issues facing the Great Lakes at a meet the candidates evening to be held at Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club tonight (March 4) at 7.30pm.
Each candidate will speak for five minutes to cover their key policy positions before being asked questions from voters.