Nationals MPs should just do their job and make region CSG free
FEDERAL Member for Page Janelle Saffin says the only solution for the Northern Rivers is a complete exclusion zone from Coal Seam Gas mining, and she is calling on State Nationals MPs to just do their job and make our region CSG free.
Ms Saffin says Premier Barry O’Farrell’s new announcement of two-kilometre exclusion zones around urban areas and some wineries and horse studs, is a quick fix which seeks to shore up his political support in Western Sydney and the Hunter Valley
“It ignores the Northern Rivers community’s concerns about CSG ruining our river catchments and prime agricultural land, and shows up the ineffectiveness of the country Nationals and the weakness of Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner,” she says.
“The only thing that will protect all local residents is to make our region CSG free, and until we get that legislative assurance from the New South Wales Government, I will continue to support the community campaign to get that outcome.
“I heard Premier O’Farrell on radio today blaming the previous State government, and it sounds lame.
“Barry O’Farrell made a campaign promise in 2011 to protect our water, and when he had the opportunity to do something, he didn’t honour his promise.
“Instead, he introduced a short-term moratorium on CSG and then brought out a land use policy which effectively gives the green light to CSG mining licences.
“The O’Farrell-Stoner Government’s land use policy does nothing to protect our water, farms and the rural lifestyle many of us enjoy.
“I’m pushing ahead with the work I’m doing with Federal Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Tony Burke to see if the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act can be broadened to prevent the land, water and environmental vandalism being perpetrated by the NSW Government.”
Ms Saffin also urged people to sign a petition she is jointly circulating with Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot, demanding that the Nationals make the North Coast CSG free. A target of 10,000 signatures means that the NSW Government must debate the petition in State Parliament.
Copies of the petition are available at both Federal MPs’ Electorate Offices or can be downloaded from Janelle’s facebook page.
MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Media Contact: Peter
Ellem 0437 303 875
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