Last month, on December 12, it was announced that the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure recommended approval of Apex Energy's modification application. The modification would revive the plan to drill16 CSG wells in and around the Woronora and Upper Nepean drinking water catchments. The decision to approve this application now lies with the Planning and Assessment Commission (PAC). Due to the number of public submissions opposing the application,the PAC must hold a public meeting before making a decision. This meeting will be held at 2pm on Wednesday February 13, at the Helensburgh Workers Sports and Social Club, 24 Boomerang Street, Helensburgh. That it will be held in the middle of a work day exposes this government's 'commitment' to community consultation.

Anyone who wishes to comment on the Department’s recommendation can register to speak at the PAC meeting by contacting Mrs Greyce Fernandes on (02) 9383 2100 or emailing with your name and phone number before 1pm, Wednesday 6 February 2013. Stop CSG Illawarra will have speakers on the day and encourages anyone who can to come along.

For more from the campaign in this region see Stop CSG Illawarra.