Twenty-five people attended last week’s meeting at Pottsville to hear about Coal Seam Gas (CSG) issues and other forms of unconventional gas in the Tweed area.
“Residents were concerned to hear that, if the current application for a special prospecting authority covering the northern end of the shire, including the Tweed Coast and urban areas around Tweed Heads, eventually proceeded to an exploration licence, drilling could take place only 200 metres behind the Seabreeze and Koala Beach estates at Pottsville,” Michael McNamara from Lock the Gate – Tweed said after the meeting.
He said residents were also very concerned about the reports of health impacts from Queensland in areas where CSG is currently operating.
“I was very encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by those who attended and their resolve to educate their friends and neighbours in the Pottsville area, with a view to conducting the CSG-free Communities initiative road surveys later in the year,” he said.
“Conducting meetings around the Tweed Shire, we have found that residents in urban and coastal areas are largely unaware of the issues relating to exploration and production of coal seam gas and other forms of unconventional gas.
“Arrow Energy already has an exploration licence covering parts of the south-west of the Shire and they could, if they wished, drill in the catchment of Clarrie Hall dam (just as has happened at Warragamba and Woranora dams near Sydney) placing the Tweed’s water supplies and water quality at risk.
“This will affect all residents of Tweed Shire, not just those in rural areas.
“It is great that these Pottsville residents are keen to spread the word.”
He said the group continued the effort with a market stall at Pottsville on Sunday.
“The Pottsville Community Association is already a member of the Lock the Gate Alliance, so that is a great start to protecting the Pottsville community from the impacts of coal seam gas operations,” Michael McNamara said.
“I invite anyone interested in finding out more about issues relating to Coal Seam Gas, or who wants to get involved in raising awareness in their local community, to contact me on 6679 3013 or by email at lockthegate.tweed@gmail.com”.
