CSG squad says Show concern

With Metgasco a major sponsor of the Lismore Show this year, some people have been suggesting a boycott. However the Keerrong Gas Squad said this would harm the community and do nothing for the fight against CSG.

Keerrong Gas Squad member Judi Emmett said at many of the public meetings chaired by Metgasco tricky questions have not been answered and she believes people should visit the company's blue and white marquee in droves this weekend and put questions to staff.

"The idea of a boycott was voiced but we quickly nipped that in the bud... the Show is important to the community. I think the A&I Society made a wrong decision in taking on Metgasco as a sponsor but the Show is about community and maintaining strong communities, and any boycott would not help that."

President of the A&I Society, John Gibson would not be drawn into the debate about the ethics of the decision.

"They are a business the same as anybody else," he said. "Part of the sponsorship deal is they get a free site. I'm not glad or not glad about that, it's just the sponsorship deal."

Judi said people should take their concerns to Metgasco staff.

"We can never get a straight answer from Metgasco and I think if every day some of us anti-frackers marched up to their tent and politely asked questions, told them our concerns, showed them how worried this community is about it, I think that just might tick them off."

Metgasco CEO Peter Henderson said the company was "showing an interest" in the community and said having a marquee was part of the company's desire to be open and transparent.

"We realise we need to do a lot more in terms of communication to assure people it's a safe industry," he said. "People are concerned by some stories that are unfounded and so naturally they want to be sure we're doing the right thing."

Judi said CSG mining was an issue that affected families and maintaining the rage at the Show should be done in a respectful way.

"Our kids watch what we do, and our children should be able to see us asking questions in a non-confrontational way," Judi said. "There are times and places for things - and on this occasion, going and asking questions in a civilised manner with T-shirts on, bombarding them with pertinent questions, that's the right action," Judi. "These people must know what they are going to do to our water. Just ask them how can they do this to our children? How can you sleep at night?"