11 May, 2012
NSW Government must take action to protect local neighbourhoods from coal seam gas
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW has welcomed Dart Energy's announcement that it will not drill for coal seam gas at St Peters in Sydney's inner west, and has called on the NSW Government to revoke the company's drilling approval.
“This announcement is a testament to the effectiveness of strong community opposition to a project which was not in the public interest,”said Pepe Clarke, NCC Chief Executive Officer.
“The local community in St Peters have fought long and hard to stop this risky, polluting activity going ahead in their local area.
“Their concerns have been heard by Marrickville Council, but now it's time for the NSW Government to take action, by revoking Dart Energy's drilling approval.
“The approval to drill at St Peters must be withdrawn completely before the community can have confidence that their neighbourhood is safe from the risks associated with coal seam gas development.
“Coal seam gas extraction has no place in our residential neighbourhoods. It's time for the NSW Government to revoke the exploration licence covering Sydney and rule out further CSG exploration in Sydney's suburbs and drinking water catchments.
“Right across the state, local communities are concerned about the impacts of mining and gas development on their homes and neighbourhoods.
“These concerns can no longer be ignored. The NSW Government must amend its draft regional land use plans to establish protective buffer zones around our suburbs, towns and rural villages,” said Mr Clarke.
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Coal and gas
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