19 March, 2015
ALP rules out CSG for largest native woodland in eastern Australia
ALP Leader Luke Foley’s commitment to prevent coal seam gas development of the Pilliga Forest marks a major turning point in the long battle to protect the largest temperate woodland left in inland NSW.
“If this policy was implemented, it would be a major victory for wildlife, local communities and the Great Artesian Basin,” Nature Conservation Council CEO Kate Smolski said.
“The Pilliga forest is a rare jewel that deserves to be protected forever.
“This incredible place is iconically Australian. It is a refuge for koalas, squirrel gliders, eastern pygmy possums, and a host of other threatened species that are now sadly missing from so much of our landscape.
“Gas giant Santos had proposed sinking more than 800 coal seam gas wells in the Pilliga, a plan that is strongly opposed by local communities, conservationists and the Gomeroi traditional owners.
“The forest is a crucial recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin, which connects groundwater systems across NSW and Queensland.
“The Pilliga CSG project has been fraught from the beginning.
“In 2014 Santos was fined a paltry $1500 when it was revealed that an aquifer had been contaminated with uranium at levels 20 times higher than safe drinking water guidelines.
“We call on the Baird government to act to fully protect the Pilliga by matching the ALP’s commitment.”
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Coal and gasForests and wildlife
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