Media Release Thursday, 10 November 2011
COUNTRY LABOR CALLS FOR SUSPENSION
OF COAL SEAM GAS EXPLORATION
OF COAL SEAM GAS EXPLORATION
ELLEM AND WOODS TEAM UP TO PROTECT OUR RIVERS
Country Labor candidate for the Clarence by-election, Peter Ellem today called on the O'Farrell-Stoner Government to suspend all current Coal Seam Gas exploration licenses to protect the Clarence and Richmond rivers.
Mr Ellem was joined by the former Member for Clarence, Harry Woods who has come out of retirement and thrown his weight behind Peter's by-election campaign.
"I'm calling on the O'Farrell-Stoner Government to immediately suspend all Coal Seam Gas exploration licenses before irreparable damage is caused to ground water and aquifers in the Northern Rivers," Mr Ellem said.
"I'm also demanding the O'Farrell-Stoner Government cease issuing Coal Seam Gas extraction licenses and refuse any applications to expand existing operations.
"Coal Seam Gas has the potential to damage our local rivers, drinking water, prime agricultural land, fishing industry and tourism industry.
"The NSW Labor Opposition believes that until a regulatory framework is in place based on independent scientific research and conclusive evidence, we should not be allowing Coal Seam Gas mining to proceed freely.
"The National Party has let the people of country NSW down on Coal Seam Gas – Andrew Stoner isn’t willing to put our rivers and prime agricultural land first."
Former Member for the Clarence, Harry Woods backed the Country Labor stance on Coal Seam Gas and demanded the Nationals' candidate Chris Gulaptis reveal his position to the community.
"Chris Gulaptis is a fly-in, fly-out candidate who will be back on a plane to Queensland quick smart if the going gets tough," Mr Woods said.
"I'd like to hear what Mr Gulaptis will do to protect our river, considering his involvement with the mining industry during his time in Queensland.
"Mr Gulaptis talked about how he loved being ‘back in a community where mining was big’ during his time in Mackay. I think local residents deserve to hear about what his plans are to deal with Coal Seam Gas in Clarence.
"This by-election is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to send a message to the O'Farrell-Stoner Government about Coal Seam Gas on behalf of all country people."
MEDIA CONTACT: COURTNEY ROCHE 0413 055 189
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