In June 2014 Richmond Valley Council voices opposition to fracking anywhere within its local government boundaries - Metgasco now virtually friendless in the Northern Rivers region

Richmond Valley Council has reportedly stepped back from its ‘netural’ position on the coal seam gas industry and, at its 24 June 2014 monthly meeting unanimously passed a motion voicing its opposition to fracking occurring anywhere with its local government area.

As Metgasco Limited’s Bentley tight sand drilling site (on which it has pinned so much hope) is highly likely to require hydraulic fracturing to release gas flows, this leaves this coal seam and tight gas exploration/mining company virtually friendless on the NSW North Coast.

Motion put to Richmond Valley Council:

Snapshot from Richmond Valley Council Ordinary Monthly Meeting Business Paper, 24 June 2014

Richmond Valley's motion now completes the local government circle in the NSW Northern Rivers region, with all seven councils having put their concerns and/or outright opposition on the public record. 

Links to reasons given by the six other councils: Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Ballina, Byron Bay, Lismore. and Tweed.

UPDATE

The Australian 26 June 2014:

A DRILLING licence for a controversial coal seam gas mine in the NSW Northern Rivers region will remain suspended.

ON Thursday the Office of Coal Seam Gas (OCSG) upheld the NSW government decision to stop Metgasco from drilling in Bentley.

Energy Minister Anthony Roberts suspended the licence in May after an audit found the company had failed to properly consult the community about the Rosella well operation....