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Full Steam Ahead On Objection To Coal Seam GasBass Coast Shire Council continues to lead the way in advocating for the community on coal seam gas exploration. By Bass Coast - 22nd May 2012 - Back to News At Council’s meeting on 16 May, recommendations in two reports were unanimously supported and reinforce Council’s commitment to raise issues related to coal seam gas exploration.
Planning and Environment Director, Hannah Duncan Jones, said one of the Council reports sought formal endorsement of Council’s objection to Leichhardt Resources mining exploration licence application.
"It outlined legitimate community concerns about how the industry impacts on agriculture, water quality and the environment. The report went further, tabling a motion to be taken to the State Council meeting of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), held on 17 May, seeking to raise the matter for advocacy at a State level," said Ms Duncan Jones.
"The motion stated Council’s opposition to Coal Seam gas exploration, and makes it clear that Council and the community are concerned about the lack of research and knowledge of the long term impacts of coal seam gas extraction on the environment. It also called on the Victorian Government to institute a moratorium on all new coal seam gas exploration and operations, until there has been a comprehensive investigation into the likely effects. Our research also showed what is happening nationwide," continued Ms Duncan Jones.
"There have been changes made to legislation in New South Wales and Queensland banning the use of specific chemicals related to coal seam gas exploration. In Victoria, recent changes to legislation have made exploration easier, including allowing verbal consent to be given by land owners."
Council also unanimously passed a motion calling on the MAV to request the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) establish a Coal Seam Gas Working Party.
The working party would investigate the impacts of coal seam gas exploration and mining on the way land is used and economic activity. It would also investigate the impact on the environment and groundwater quality across the State.
The motion also asks MAV to lobby the State government to establish a parliamentary committee on coal seam gas. The committee would investigate whether the existing regulatory regime has adequate controls for unconventional gas extraction.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, said all of the councillors were in favour of advocating against coal seam gas, and that an understanding of the issues was gaining momentum.
"At a recent meeting with the Gippsland Local Government Network, our advocacy actions were discussed and endorsed. I’m pleased also to say that we have just heard back from the MAV meeting held on 17 May and our motion received overwhelming support. We are preparing ourselves for more debate on the issue."
Information about Council’s coal seam gas advocacy role and copies of Council reports are available at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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