27 February, 2015
Liberal candidates a no-show for Central Coast Environment Forum
Liberal candidates for the seats of Gosford and Terrigal will not participate in an Environment Forum next week where community members had hoped to quiz all candidates about how they would protect the Central Coast’s unique environment and lifestyle.
The event is being organised by the NSW Nature Conservation Council (NCC) in collaboration with the Central Coast Community Environment Network, and the Total Environment Centre.
“It is very disappointing that the Liberal candidates have decline our invitation because we have questions they need to answer, particularly in relation to the Wallarah 2 coal mine proposal and AGL's Petroleum Exploration License,” said NCC Central Coast Community Organiser Danielle Coleman.
“Chris Holstein put out a media release before Christmas claiming the NSW Gas Plan was all good and would protect our vital land and water resources.
“The people of the Central Coast deserve a response from Mr Holstein. Can Mr Holstein please justify his statement because our water catchment is under a current CSG exploration licence, and until that licence is cancelled our drinking-water catchment is at risk.
“AGL's coal seam gas production and pilot projects have already breached environment regulations and broken community trust in Gloucester and Camden. We don't want our Central Coast to be subjected to the same stresses. Why must we beg our government to protect the most precious asset we have?
“It’s not too late for Mr Holstein to come along to the forum and share his true vision for the Central Coast.”
Candidates from all sides of politics are being given the chance to spell out their policies for protecting the Central Coast’s environment at a forum at Woy Woy on March 4.
“There's a lot at stake for our Central Coast this election,” Ms Coleman said. “This is a great place for families to live, but our land, water and communities are under threat.
“Coal seam gas mining is on the cards for the Mountains District, a new Growth and Infrastructure Plan is being forced on the people with little community input, and more local bushland is disappearing every year. Only with strong political leadership and common-sense environmental policy will the Central Coast remain a great place to live.”
WHEN: 7pm–8.30pm, Wednesday, March 4
WHERE: Brisbane Water Secondary College, Woy Woy Campus, Edward St, Woy Woy
QUESTION REGISTRATION & RSVP: www.cen.org.au/events/cen-calendar
BACKGROUND
Policies for the 2015 Election and Beyond - www.nature.org.au/electionpolicies2015
Key speakers confirmed
- Gasfield Free Mountain District spokesperson Simon Perry (will speak on mining and gas issues)
- Nature Conservation Council CEO Kate Smolski (will speak on planning issues)
- Central Coast Community Environment Network Chairman John Asquith is the host
Candidates confirmed
- Terrigal ALP candidate Jeff Sundstrom
- Gosford ALP candidate Kathy Smith
- Terrigal Greens candidate Doug Williamson
- Gosford Greens candidate Kate Da Costa
- Gosford Independent Jake Cassar
Candidates who have declined invitation
- Terrigal Liberal candidate Adam Crouch
- Gosford Liberal MP Chris Holstien
Candidates who have yet to respond to the invitation
- Christian Democratic Party Gosford candidate Andrew Church
- Christian Democratic Party Terrigal (no candidates confirmed)
Tags
Coal and gasNSW Parliament
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