Coal Seam Gas risky impact

Media release

October 2, 2011

Ignoring community concerns about Coal Seam Gas (CSG) a risky strategy for state government.

Victoria is seeing a surge in exploration for coal seam gas (CSG) and new coal operations at present, with around 30 proposals to look for this resource lodged or approved across the southern parts of the state.

“The prospect of an emerging fossil fuel industry is being strongly resisted by local communities, as has been shown by huge meetings at Deans Marsh, Forrest and Bacchus Marsh” said Friends of the Earth campaigns co-ordinator Cam Walker.

“People understand that the only time we will be able to stop this industry is before it gets going. Already a number of companies have walked away from their applications because of community opposition”.

“There is no doubt that a CSG industry – if allowed to develop – would have a significant impact on our environment.  It will threaten landscapes, ground water, rural communities and food security. Proposed new fossil fuel operations will also have a massive climate change impact.”

“Yet our State Government is pretending there is no threat posed by this emerging industry.   Why does our Premier say that we ‘have no problem’ with CSG? Member for Polwarth Terry Mulder has dismissed calls for the Government to ban exploration for coal-seam gas. Most other regional MPs are quiet on the issue”.

“Government strategists will be keenly aware that regional seats will be strongly contested in the 2014 election. Yet the government has attacked the wind industry, which will cost hundreds of jobs and millions in investment in regional Victoria, and is choosing to ignore the rising opposition to CSG.

CSG and new coal operations will be electoral poison for any MP in regional in western and southern Victoria who chooses to remain silent on the issue.”

“The Baillieu government should take a sensible and precautionary approach to this new industry. We urge them to put a moratorium in place until there has been a thorough assessment of the likely impacts on our food production, landscapes and water, and communities across rural Victoria”.

Friends of the Earth will hold a series of forums in western Victoria this week to highlight the threat posed by the expansion of CSG, coal, and shale gas in the region, featuring leading anti-CSG campaigner Drew Hutton.

Events are planned in Warrnambool, Colac, Ballarat, Geelong and Melbourne.

Cam Walker, FoE Melbourne 0419 338 047

Drew Hutton, President Lock the Gate Alliance 0428 487 110