CSG Blockade - Gloucester Community Blocks the Gate

MEDIA RELEASE – 6 December 2011

NSW Greens MP and mining spokesperson Jeremy Buckingham has congratulated the Gloucester community for standing up to protect their local water resources and agricultural future by launching a blockade against coal seam gas company AGL.

The Blockade is stopping AGL’s drill rigs at the corner of Jacks Road and Maslens LaneGloucester.

“The Government has refused to listen to the community’s calls for a moratorium on coal seam gas so Gloucester has launched its own moratorium by blockading access to the planned drill sites,” said Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham.

“The blockade was set up yesterday afternoon when locals noticed drilling rigs moving in. The drilling rigs are now parked in a holding yard and the Police and company have already come to the site to talk to the blockaders.

“The blockaders are calling for an independent groundwater study for the valley. The fact that the government has allowed coal seam gas to proceed without a full water study is a sign of how out of control this industry is in NSW.

“Only yesterday the Government stepped in to stop exploration drilling on important agricultural land in the Hunter Valley. Barry O’Farrell should also protect the agricultural and tourism values of the Gloucester Valley.

“At risk is a thriving tourism industry built around the world heritage-listed Barrington Tops, local agriculture such as dairying and grazing and the oyster industries downstream from the valley,” Mr Buckingham said.

Contact: Max Phillips - 0419 444 916

 

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