The Lock the Gate Alliance congratulates the NSW Country Women’s Association for passing a motion yesterday supporting a moratorium on coal seam gas in NSW until it can be proven safe, and community health guaranteed.
The motion passed yesterday at the NSW CWA’s 2016 State Conference was passed with an overwhelming majority. The full text of the motion reads:
"The policy of the CWA of NSW shall be to support a moratorium on Coal Seam Gas (CSG) and other unconventional gas developments developments until:
· Community-led health impact assessments are established, funded, completed and the recommendations implemented.
· The recommendations of the 2014 Cheif Scientist and Engineer's Independent Review are implemented;
· and the industry is proven to be safe to water aquifers, the community and the environment "
"We congratulate the NSW CWA for its strong commitment to rural women and families," said Lock the Gate spokesperson Georgina Woods.
"Rural families are in the front line of the unconventional gas invasion and a strong position from an organisation that advocates for rural people is most welcome
“This confirms again that the agenda of Mike Baird and the NSW Government to force CSG on an unwilling population in the Narrabri area of north-west NSW simply does not have community support.
"On the eve of a Federal Election, we call on the Coalition and ALP to join the NSW CWA and put a moratorium on unconventional gas until it is proven safe,” she said.