15 October, 2014
Government crack-down on CSG operators is welcome
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW has welcomed NSW Resources Minister Anthony Roberts’ cancellation of three petroleum exploration licences (PELs) held by Leichardt Resources Pty Ltd today. [1]
“The government deserves credit for starting to protect communities, wildlife and water resources from shonky operators in the resources sector,” NCC CEO Kate Smolski said.
“For too long, the government has supported the interests of mining and gas companies to the detriment of farmers, local communities and wildlife.
“People across the state have been pressuring the government for years to strictly enforce the conditions attached to exploration licences, so it is heartening to see it is starting to take its responsibilities in this area seriously.”
Mr Roberts said he cancelled Leichardt Resources’ PELs in the Southern Highlands, near Bylong and Moree because the company had failed to consult adequately with affected communities and breached its work program.
“Communities are sick and tired of being treating with contempt by resources companies who have been given the tacit backing of the state government,” Ms Smolski said.
“We hope this latest announcement signals a genuine shift in attitude, and the Baird government’s will continue to uphold its duty to enforce exploration and operating licence conditions.
“We note, however, that thousands of people still live under the shadow of coal seam gas development and unique natural landscapes, including the magnificent Pilliga Forest, are still set to be carved up into gas fields.
“The fight to protect our productive farmland and sensitive natural areas from coal and gas developments will continue until the government honours its promises and creates legally enforceable no-go zones that permanently protect these areas.”
[1] www.anthonyrobertsmp.com.au/media/media-releases/petroleum-exploration-licences-cancelled
[2] www.smh.com.au/business/mining-and-resources/coal-seam-gas-company-licence-cancelled-after-alleged-breaches-20141014-115tqr.html
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW is a supporter of Our Land, Our Water, Our Future, a campaign uniting scores of community and environment groups calling for no-go zones to protect farmland and rural industries, water resources, special wild places, and residential communities from coal and gas.
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