Tatham, Greenridge say no to CSG

ANTI-CSG sentiment continues to grow with residents from Tatham, Greenridge and surrounds joining the chorus of communities saying no to CSG.

Around 90 residents last Sunday attended the Tatham, Greenridge and Surrounds Gas Field Free Declaration Day in which 33 roads declared themselves CSG free.

Organiser Eric van Beurden said the day had been a great success with both Richmond Valley Mayor Ernie Bennett and Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell attending the event to collect the declarations.

Mr Beurden said the survey results had shown the overwhelming majority of people in the Tatham, Greenridge areas did not support CSG exploration.

"We had 412 people surveyed, 200 houses, 33 roads over an area of 220 square kilometres with 85% of respondents saying they wanted their roads and land gasfield free," he said. "This survey shows this community is getting much more savvy about the threats of this industry."

Only 10 people responded that they did not want their roads and land gasfield free with another 52 saying they were unsure.

Mayors Dowell and Bennett were handed the road declarations by children of constituents from their respective electorates, with residents giving spoken declarations.

Mr Beurden said through these declarations, communities are demanding their elected representatives protect their constituents and the land they live on without compromise.

"We'd like to send a clear message to Barry O'Farrell," Mr Beurden said. "They were elected on democratic principles but they have turned round and slapped them in the face."

Mr Beurden said while Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell reinforced her strong commitment to fighting CSG, residents were concerned about her Richmond Valley counterpart.

"He (Cr. Bennett) is a farmer himself. I only hope he can turn his concerns into a much stronger stance," Mr Beurden said.