Last week in Quirindi and Gunnedah, in the latest round of the Water Study public reporting process, the consultants presented their update to the community, to mixed reviews. The enormous quantity of data which needed to be distilled and collated into the computer model goes someway to explaining the process delays, but, for example, the reluctance of BHPB to divulge subsidence data is further exacerbating this already long process.

Concerned landholders also queried evidently missing effects of CSG with its extracted contaminated water, on the models, and the effect on infrastructure and of future flooding events.

Also visiting the district, NSW Minister for Resources and Energy Harcher, still was unable to find time to meet CCAG directly, preferring the company of mining company representatives, but berating anyone with the temerity to propose alternatives to a purely gas and coal mining future.

Namoi Catchment