The water study meetings held on Tuesday 31st July were well attended. Approx. 60 people attended the session at Gunnedah with a similar number attending in Quirindi. The presentation by Schlumberger Water Services (SWS) was easy to understand and included various scenarios showing the risks to our water resources with the current mining development and proposed mining developments. SWS identified data gaps in a number of areas within the catchment as well as a lack of water quality data which obviously impacts the results they have presented.

We need to acknowledge the efforts of the Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) led by John Lyle. The commitment these community members made to the study was phenomenal. They attended the many meetings over the life of the study as well as review the presentations and technical reports prepared by SWS. The group worked tirelessly … Read More »

The Community Blockade was removed from the Glasserton site near Spring Ridge on the 15th November 2011. The blockade included 24-7 coverage for 19 days. This coverage certainly couldn’t have been possible without the wonderful support from the local community and beyond. CCAG received a number of requests from concerned citizens throughout the State offering their time to assist at the Community Blockade. On the first weekend of the Blockade a couple travelled from the coast for the weekend to support the community and make a stand against Coal Seam Gas (CSG). Thank you to all of you for giving your time to support this community event.

The Community Blockade was removed with very a specific agreement being brokered by Kevin Anderson the local member from Tamworth on behalf of the Nationals. Santos has agreed not to drill at the Glasserton … Read More »

Over 100 Farmers were present on Thursday 27th October to launch the community blockade to stop Santos from commencing CSG pilot production at George’s Island Spring Ridge. The second day brought another 90 people to show their support. Our Farmers should be growing our food not manning blockades but the community feel they have no other choice. They are committed to protect our most valuable resources and it is a credit to them.

Kevin Anderson, the local member for Tamworth pledged his support as did Fiona Simson of NSW Famers when they called at the blockade last week. Tony and Lyn Windsor visited on the weekend and Tony is right behind us doing whatever he can in Canberra. Jeremy Buckingham Greens MP and his wife Sarah came over from Orange. Jeremy has lobbied hard against CSG. It was his initiative that … Read More »

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.