What the NSW Minister for Resources and Energy said about coal seam gas mining before he became part of the O'Farrell Government

 

The NSW Minister for Resources and Energy demonstrates that he is always capable of a full 360 degree turn.

 

NSW LA Hansard 3 May 2005:

 

Mr CHRIS HARTCHER (Gosford) [4.41 p.m.]:

…However, the people of the Central Coast cannot be sacrificed on the altar of economic expediency. Their entitlement to clean, safe water must be paramount……

It is well-known that in the northern Pilliga forest, massive environmental damage was caused by Eastern Star Gas at its Bohena No. 2 drill site as a result of exploration practices. Experiences in the United States of America, and in the State of Wyoming especially, clearly demonstrate disastrous problems associated with this industry through groundwater loss, contamination and waste water. Water is used extensively in gas exploration, as it is in gas mining and development…

 

ABC News 18 August 2012:

 

The Minister for Energy and Resources, Chris Hartcher, has told an energy forum in Armidale that coal seam gas will be accepted as an energy source, just like uranium.

The Minster says he's convinced that public concern surrounding the coal seam gas industry will subside over time, just like the debate over uranium.