The Greens NSW spokesperson on mining, Jeremy Buckingham, called on the Government to freeze the application process for Petroleum Exploration Licence over Narromine, Dubbo and Coolah on Wednesday, due to ongoing community concerns and other factors.
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Ceemac Pty Ltd has applied for three separate petroleum exploration licences which cover an area of 127,000 square kilometres including Narromine, Dubbo and Coolah.
“The Greens are astonished that the government would continue to grant new coal seam gas(CSG) licences given the huge amount of community concern over the industry’s risk to land and water,” Mr Buckingham said.
“Today (Wednesday) I introduced a motion into the NSW Parliament calling on the government to freeze consideration of all Petroleum Exploration Licence applications until they have responded to the 26 recommendations the ICAC has made to fix the mining application process.”
Mr Buckingham said many other regions across NSW had been in open rebellion against the intrusion of the coal seam gas industry and to protect the land, water and communities.
“It would be foolish for the government to allow this risky industry to expand into the Dubbo region,” he said. “If these licences are granted then it is clear the National Party is putting the gas industry’s interests ahead of farmers and regional communities.”
Mr Buckingham is encouraging people around the region to research coal seam gas and how it would affect the community.
“I urge the people of Dubbo, Narromine and Coolah to do their research about coal seam gas and its potential impact on their land and lives,” he said.
“The Greens are ready to stand with you to defend your community.”
