Friends of the Earth

Momentum keeps growing for state government action on coal seam gas (CSG), with Bass Coast Council showing continued leadership on the issue, and the Municipal Association of Victoria supporting a call at its State Council to request the creation of a parliamentary committee on CSG. The MAV wants the government to investigate whether the existing regulatory regime is adequate to control unconventional gas extraction.

“So far the state government has run a public line that there is no threat posed by CSG in Victoria” said Friends of the Earth campaigns co-ordinator Cam Walker.

“Clearly this position is no longer tenable given the growing concerns in the community.”

“Next Tuesday the  final report of the Inquiry into Greenfields Mineral Exploration and Project Development in Victoria will be tabled in parliament. This is the government’s opportunity to show it is listening to community concerns.

“The government must understand that anything less than a moratorium and full inquiry will not be enough to alleviate community concerns.

“The government must also be aware that concern runs deep across the southern third of Victoria about proposed coal mining and unconventional gas projects (Tight and Shale gas). This is not just about CSG. Many in rural Victoria will be watching closely to see if a Coalition government will actually listen to their concerns”.

Friends of the Earth has been joined by more than 50 groups in calling for the Victorian government to ban all new on-shore coal and un-conventional gas operations until there has been a thorough investigation into the likely impacts of this industry on:
·    water resources,
·    farmland and food security,
·    local communities and natural biodiversity, and
·    greenhouse emissions.

The EDIC report into Greenfields Mineral Exploration and Project Development will be released on Tuesday afternoon.

Further comment:
Cam Walker 0419 338 047

Details on groups supporting the moratorium available here.