MEDIA RELEASE   20 August 2012

The Greens NSW spokesperson on mining Jeremy Buckingham voiced the Greens’ support for the blockade of a coal seam gas drilling site by Fullerton Cove residents today, saying that drilling at the site was a high risk activity.  Jeremy visited residents at Fullerton Cove last Friday.

“The Greens support the community blockade at Fullerton Cove and congratulate the residents involved for standing up for their local environment and community,” said Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham.

“Dart Energy are planning to drill a pilot production coal seam gas well only metres from a RAMSAR wetland, and through the Tomago Sands aquifer that supplies 20% of Newcastle’s drinking water.  This is a risky proposition.

“If Dart Energy are allowed to drill these gas wells, it is the first step in their plan to turn the area between Newcastle and Port Stephens into a gas field.  This Petroleum Exploration Area (PEL) 458 extends from Newcastle right up to the Myall Lakes.

“Don’t be fooled by Dart’s propaganda about powering a vegetable greenhouse. This is all about proving the resource and eventually drilling a large gas field right through the Tomago Sands area.

“My recent visit to coal seam gas fields in the United States really revealed how the gas industry can dominate the landscape, with gas wells, compressor plants, pipelines and power lines turning the area into a heavy industrial zone.

“The residents of Fullerton Cove are not just taking action for their own backyard, but are doing so on behalf of the citizens of Newcastle and Port Stephens and the Greens salute them,” he said.

Contact: Max Phillips - 9230 2202  or  0419 444 916