The NSW Labor Governments Christmas present to rural NSW would do disgraced former Minister MacDonald proud. The fossil fuel industry leads this Government by the nose. In this years final sitting days, suddenly, with no community consultation, debate or investigation, a Bill is introduced to give the gas mining industry carte blanche access over, through and under prime farming lands which will make even Queensland’s draconian laws look weak.

The Government’s Bill views the Plains as ‘sparsely settled, non urban land’, and solely as a sequestration sink and coal mining source. Landholders rights and privileges are effectively abolished in the name of development. The inevitable mixing of underground stored carbon dioxide with ground water will ultimately ensure the effective demise of farming and grazing.

Welcome to the 21st century, and Merry Christmas. 

 Geosequestration review here. DPI summary here.