Fiery meeting in Casino

Indigenous activist Adam Sharah questions Metgasco CEO Peter Henderson about coal seam gas.

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INDIGENOUS activist Adam Sharah represents many mobs in his role as a cultural liaison.

Adam attended a public seminar with Metgasco CEO Peter Henderson in Casino last Thursday and will be disseminating information from the meeting back to Indigenous communities across Australia.

And his report will not be positive.

“I’m concerned about two of your claims, Mr Henderson,” Mr Sharah said at the meeting. “One is marketing this non-renewable fuel as an essential fuel during the transitional period alongside eco-sustainable renewable energy...That is a lie. Clearly.

“We do not require non-renewable fuel on our traditional lands during the transitional period to a carbon neutral economy. How can you make that claim?

“Secondly, is the economic benefits knock-on story. I think current statistics for my people prove that is also a lie. And the export deals that we have cut with China do not guarantee a regulated price for gas locally do they? So how can this benefit local communities economically? We’re paying more than China per unit of gas. A toxic fuel that you cannot guarantee will not further toxify our already f... toxic land.”

Mr Henderson did not shy away from the questions.

“If we want to get wind and solar power up then it makes sense to have gas there because of the reasons I’ve given before, like intermittent supply,” he said. “I have no problem saying we believe coal seam gas is beneficial to the community overall. I’d like to think it’s beneficial to the traditional owners as well, but that’s something that each group is going to have to come to terms with.”

Earlier in the evening Mark Byrne and Sue Higginson from the Northern Rivers Environmental Defender’s Office, Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith from the National Toxics Network and Mr Henderson all addressed the meeting before questions were taken from the floor.

Mr Henderson was asked what Metgasco would do if land-holders refused the company access for its proposed pipeline from Casino to Ipswich.

“We have 300 signed access agreements that are all voluntary,” Mr Henderson said. “At Primex and Beef Week I had farmers coming up to me asking if we could put another well on their properties.

“We have not got to a situation where it was warranted to have to use legal means for access, and we do not want it to be.

“We have to get out there and communicate sufficiently clearly that the risks are acceptable and that it’s good for them. Good for the community overall,” he said.