Kyogle calls for CSG ban

On Monday Kyogle Council voted unanimously to write to the NSW Government asking for a moratorium on coal seam gas mining.

Cr Janet Wilson’s motion asked that the state government impose a moratorium until “such times as the impact of CSG on water supplies, the environment and personal property and amenity is understood through independent research”.

Cr Robert Leadbetter was absent but his chair was occupied by anti-gas placards.

Earlier Metgasco representatives had spoken with councillors but the public and media were not invited.

Paul Hobbs from Lynchs Creek addressed the meeting.

“The majority of the region here are totally against any gas pipeline and wells being dug in Kyogle, Lynchs Creek and the Border Ranges,” Paul said. “We have grave concerns that the gas companies have positioned this gas pipeline to enable them to place gas wells north of Kyogle, parallel to the gas line. This has been the general practise of gas companies laying pipeline.”

Alan Roberts from the Nimbin Environment Centre gave a broad-reaching slide presentation, which showed a land-owner’s property in Tara, in the Darling Downs, where protestors have been trying to stop a gas pipeline from being laid.

Alan also presented figures questioning the calculations used for coal seam gas carbon emissions compared to coal.