Sunday
26th August 2012
Fullerton
Cove Coal Seam Gas Blockade (397 Fullerton Cove Rd, Fullerton Cove)
The Fullerton Cove Residents Action
Group is inviting all members of the public to a Family Fun Day this Sunday, at
the site of the community blockade against Dart Energy's coal seam gas drilling
project.
The blockade has continued through
a fourth day today and two local women at the blockade, Julie Wood and Lisa
McDonald, have now been locked to a tractor at the site for more than 24
hours.
"Our family fun day will include
rides, music, food, and balloons. Local Fullerton Cove business OFA Showstar
will donate a jumping castle and a small Ferris wheel for the event. Osborne is
one of many Newcastle and Port Stephens businesses who have overwhelmed us with
their support for our cause”, said spokesperson Lindsay Clout.
This is a
great opportunity for people to come down and visit our blockade, and talk to
the Fullerton Cove residents about the the threat that coal seam gas poses to
the community and the environment.
The public is also invited to
attend a talk on the impacts of CSG tonight, at 7pm, at the blockade site.
“Peter Martin, former CEO of Rothschild Australia Asset Management and now
convenor of the Southern Highlands Coal Action Group, will visit the blockade
site tonight to discuss his recent tour of United States, where he witnessed
first hand the toxic legacy of the coal seam gas industry.” said
Clout.
This issue is much bigger than
Fullerton Cove. Coal Seam Gas has left a trail of destruction in the United
States, and will do so in Australia if State and Federal governments continue to
ignore community demands,” said Mr Clout.
The support for our blockade has
been huge. Every day dozens of new people visit the site. Every day we get more
donations from businesses around Port Stephens and Newcastle.
We would like to thank the
following businesses for their valued support during the week: Stockton Family
Meats, Rudders Cottage Bakery Stockton, Stockton Family Fruits, Browns Butchers
Raymond Terrace, McDonalds Williamtown, Stockton IGA, Metro Garage Williamtown,
Hunter Organics, Natural Tucker, The Fresh Ingredient, Merewether Food World,
Festival IGA Stockton, Domino's Pizza Raymond Terrace, Hunter Meat Wholesalers
Stockton” he said.
Further
comment: Lindsay Clout – 0437 300 377
Dear friend,
This is a crucial time for the future of NSW. Recent information
suggests that a final decision by the NSW Government on future control and
regulation of coal and gas mining is imminent. The community has called
for proper protection of productive farmland, bushland and water resources, but
there are real fears the final policy will simply allow open slather for
destructive coal and gas mining. Make sure your voice is heard by your
politicians on this matter today.
Please contact NSW National Party Leader Andrew Stoner and other key
members of the NSW Cabinet this week to ensure they hear from you in these
critical decision making stages.
Speaking points:
Any released land use plan must have areas off limits to mining and gas
exploration and mining activities. These off limits areas must include our
agricultural land, bush land and all 'Tier 1' biodiversity areas, our drinking
water supplies, floodplains and underground aquifers.
Offsets and the proposed 'gateway' process does not adequately protect our
key natural assets. We need clear 'no-go' certainty for farmers and threatened
species at risk of mining impacts.
Any plans for additional mining in NSW must only take place after the NSW
Government develops a strong and well-resourced monitoring and compliance regime
for mining and gas activities to protect human health, unique flora and fauna,
and water and air quality.
The NSW Government must provide landholders and local communities with the
right to say 'no' to coal and gas developments and ensure that all of the
long-term social, financial and environmental costs of mining are
quantified.
Proper health impact assessments should be required before any coal or gas
mining is approved.
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