Comments by Nationals leader David Littleproud saying farmers should have the right to veto gas projects on their properties ought to be made official National Party policy, says Lock the Gate Alliance.
Mr Littleproud’s comments were made in response to growing opposition by Liverpool Plains farmers to Santos’ coal seam gas exploration and Hunter Gas Pipeline plans.
“It’s all well and good for Mr Littleproud to say what farmers want to hear, but this will be nothing more than a thought bubble if he doesn’t make it official National Party policy,” said Boggabri farmer Sally Hunter.
“It’s great to hear Mr Littleproud backing the lock the gate movement - farmers absolutely should have the right to refuse gas projects on their properties.
“Unconventional gasfields threaten to drain and contaminate the groundwater farmers rely on. The National Party should have formally opposed coal seam gas projects from day one.
“Tens of thousands of people have been opposing the Santos Narrabri Gas Project for more than a decade, so it’s great that David Littleproud has finally heard this message.
“If Mr Littleproud is serious, then we await him putting his words into action and the National Party formally adopting this position.”
ENDS