Thousands join stop CSG protests across NSW

[icyfroth]

Up to 3,000 people have donned yellow clothing in the New South Wales north coast town of Murwillumbah as they march in protest to coal seam gas mining.

They were joined by about 1,000 protesters in Sydney's inner-west, who formed a human sign spelling out "Stop CSG".

Murwillumbah rally spokeswoman Amanda Shoebridge says comments by the New South Wales Government this week that coal seam gas mining is inevitable failed to dampen the community's resolve.

"People will really, after news like that, dig their heels in and say well 'actually mate, no, no we're not going to allow CSG in here and you don't have social licence to do it, you don't have the approval of the community and it's not going to happen'," she said.

Stop CSG Sydney spokeswoman Jacinta Green says there is nothing to prevent miners exploring the Sydney basin, water catchments and prime agricultural land.

"Not one inch of New South Wales has been left off limits to the coal seam gas industry," she said.

Similar protests are set to be held across the country as part of a national week of action against the CSG industry.
Protesters are concerned state governments are not doing enough to protect the environment from coal seam gas mining.

Murwillumbah rally spokeswoman Amanda Shoebridge says comments by the New South Wales Government this week that coal seam gas mining is inevitable

Is it really?

"People will really, after news like that, dig their heels in and say well 'actually mate, no, no we're not going to allow CSG in here and you don't have social licence to do it, you don't have the approval of the community and it's not going to happen',"

Does the government give a rat's behind about community concerns, and does it even have the power to stop CSG exploration?

Or is it too busy quarrelling about sexism and misogyny!?

[cueperkins]

This particular case is a Qld precedent and with any luck only one of many to come: BTW, there's plenty of info on the Just Grounds website on this very subject & much more about legal rights, precedents, & insults.

Farmer beats CSG Company in court.

http://justgroundsonline.com/group/property-rights-australia/forum/topics/farmer-beats-csg-company-in-court

A SUPREME Court decision has reversed the trend of courts ruling against farmers as conflicts between landholders and the resource sector intensified in recent years.

But in an announcement strongly welcomed in the bush, the Supreme Court in Brisbane ruled late last week that Eidsvold grazier Michael Baker was given insufficient mapping information by coal seam gas (CSG) company QGC about the location of a pipeline to be constructed on his property and the activities planned for his land.

The decision will force QGC to restart its application for a State government compulsory access order, known as a Part 5 Permission. The decision also struck out Land Court proceedings QGC initiated just days before last Friday's Supreme Court decision was handed down.

In her ruling on Friday, Supreme Court Justice Jean Dalton found the application for the Part 5 permission lodged by QGC was invalid and Mr Baker had not been provided "procedural fairness" because QGC had provided insufficient mapping details about the exact location of the planned natural gas pipeline - and, when details were finally provided, less than 48 hours to respond before the statutory 20-business day consultation period expired and the material was passed on to then-State mining minister Sterling Hinchliffe to make a final decision on QGC's application.

QGC said its pipeline was in the "public interest" and argued in court that it did not have to provide the disputed information to the landholder.

Wrong !!!  Arrogant though aren't they?

[lakeland27]

The Greens are suddenly relevant it seems. the nationals will support anything Abbott does (nothing) the Katter mob will campaign against it (but end up voting with Abbott) . the only party who will do as they say on this issue are the greens. thats why they get such bad press. but if you want this stopped .. the greens are the only option.

[donnashuggy]

Bunch of hippies I reckon

[lakeland27]

Bunch of hippies I reckon

i know, whats worse is that they are right.. freaks. :^O

[cueperkins]

Lakeland, I agree they are probably the only party that will stay on course against it, as the others swing like weather vane in a black n/easter.   But the propaganda against them has been so convincing, credibility might be a problem.

I think if people unite against it in a LEGAL sense, they might have more luck.  As above, the precedent has already been set & no doubt there will be more. 

In fact, the Issue is gaining public, legal & scientific momentum worldwide.

Class Actions Shake BHP.

http://www.theage.com.au/business/class-actions-shake-bhp-20110524-1f2gk.html

[lakeland27]

Lakeland, I agree they are probably the only party that will stay on course against it, as the others swing like weather vane in a black n/easter.   But the propaganda against them has been so convincing, credibility might be a problem.

I think if people unite against it in a LEGAL sense, they might have more luck.  As above, the precedent has already been set & no doubt there will be more. 

In fact, the Issue is gaining public, legal & scientific momentum worldwide.

Class Actions Shake BHP.

http://www.theage.com.au/business/class-actions-shake-bhp-20110524-1f2gk.html

i think it requires a two pronged attack. the greens are essential to a good outcome, and if they are wiped out come election time its only going to get harder to save us from mining companies. the ALP has supporters in the party.. plenty in fact. but none in cabinet where it counts.

[cueperkins]

I agree = I'm not saying they shouldn't be involved, it's a given, ..... but they need to use the 'legal' arena, re: rights of landowners, not just the 'environmental' soap box (though 'fracking' is shaping up to be controversial worldwide.. 

Anything for a buck - even though Australia won't see one red cent.

[lakeland27]

no, 83% of mining profits go overseas.

[tasfleur]

I don't give a hoot who stops the 'fracking', as long as SOMEONE does, and permanently!

[donnashuggy]

Maybe we should stop using electricity