16 March, 2015
Sydney CSG licence buy-backs welcome, but threats to drinking-water catchments remain
The Nature Conservation Council has welcomed the government’s cancellation of coal seam gas exploration licences overs parts of Sydney’s drinking water catchment.
Nature Conservation Council CEO Kate Smolski said the buy-backs recognised the risks of coal seam gas and the widespread community opposition to its development, but it still left core parts of Sydney’s water catchment at risk.
“Today Premier Baird and the Coalition government acknowledged that coal seam gas is a threat to the purity of our water catchments,” Ms Smolski said.
“What Premier Baird didn’t say today is that an enormous exploration licence held by AGL still covers core parts of our catchment including Nepean, Avon and Cordeuax dams.
“This is a welcome announcement and a partial relief for anyone who turns on their tap in Sydney, but the risks have not been fully addressed.”
The Coalition today announced the buy-back of three petroleum exploration licences (PELs). PELs 442, 444 and 454, however, it has not bought back PEL 2. PEL 2 was issued in 1993 by a Coalition Government.
“This is a win for the community, which has always known that coal seam gas in the drinking water catchment is wrong,” Ms Smolski said.
“Today’s announcement comes just four days before the government’s planning commission is due to decide whether coal mining should be able to expand in our water catchment.
“If Premier Baird is genuine about protecting drinking water supplies, he should ban mining in our drinking water catchments across the state.
“Pure water is the foundation of a healthy city. Today’s decision brings us a step closer to securing that foundation.
“The Liberal Party is not being genuine when it blames the ALP for the crisis the state faces on this issue.
“Both parties have been reckless in their management of the state’s resources, and all too willing to give resource companies free rein.
“All parties should announce permanent no-go zones for drinking-water catchments, farmlands, communities and special wild places.”
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Coal and gas
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