Finally. Nationals MP for Ballina Don Page speaks out against coal seam gas exploration in the Northern Rivers four months before he retires

ABC News 12 November 2014:

The state member for Ballina has formally farewelled his electorate and taken a parting shot at the coal seam gas industry.

Last night Don Page gave his final speech before the NSW parliament, using the time to reflect on almost 27 years in public office.

He retires at next year's state election in March.

The National Party member told parliament he feels strongly that coal seam gas (CSG) is not compatible with the interests of his electorate.

Despite there being no known CSG reserves in the seat of Ballina, Mr Page wants a pledge from the government to keep his electorate CSG free.

"There is no CSG in the Ballina electorate however there is a petroleum exploration licence or Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) over it," Mr Page said.

"When the owners of PEL 445 surrender 25 per cent of their licence which they will be required to do, the government should not re-issue that part of it, thereby making the Ballina electorate CSG free. I look forward to the government's announcement on CSG in the near future," he said.

He told parliament he stands united with the opposition to the CSG industry....