Over the last 18 months councils right across NSW have passed motions opposing coal seam gas development and calling for a moratorium. With the recent NSW local government elections, now is a great time to approach your council about the issues that matter most to you, such as protection from inappropriate coal and coal seam gas.
You could ask your council to:
- Reject the Strategic Regional Land Use Plans and the Aquifer Interference Policy released by the NSW Government
- Oppose the renewal of coal seam gas licences by the NSW Government and ask for key licences to be rejected in the public interest (as per s21e of the Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991)
- Re-commit to a moratorium on coal seam gas, including a specific moratorium relating to any activity on council-owned land
- Ask for increased powers for local councils within NSW planning reforms to reject coal and gas mining developments
Advice for communities in Queensland and other states that are keen to approach their councils will be available soon.
The following NSW councils have passed motions noting concern or opposition to coal seam gas:
Northern Rivers
Richmond Valley, 15 May 2012
Clarence Valley, 21 February 2012
Kyogle, 19 December 2011
Ballina, May 2011
Byron Bay, 12 May 2011
Tweed, 19 April 2011
Lismore, 13 December 10
Hunter / Newcastle
Newcastle, 5 June 2012
Lake Macquarie, 25 June 2012
Gloucester, 21 December 2011
Port Stephens, December 2011
Singleton, 15 November 2010
Cessnock, 6 October 2010
Central Coast
Wyong, 01 September 2011
Gosford, 02 October 2012
Mid North Coast
Coffs Harbour, 25 July 2012
Great Lakes, 10 April 2012
Greater Taree, 14 December 2011
North-west NSW
Moree Plains, 01 July 2011
Warrumbungles, 01 November 2011
Mid-Western Regional Council, April 2012 (called on government to provide more protection for landowners)
Coonamble, 2011
Walgett, July 2011
Sydney
Liverpool, 2013
Sutherland, 28 August 2012
Burwood, 24 July 2012
Randwick, 24 July 2012
Campbelltown, 29 May 2012
Canada Bay, 15 May 2012
Ashfield, 27 March 2012
Waverley, 20 March 2012
Camden, March 2012 (Council asked government for report on issues relating to CSG)
Wingecarribee Shire, November 2011
Marrickville, 02 July 2011
Leichhardt, 23 June 2011
City of Sydney, 06 December 2010
Illawarra
Kiama, 13 December 2011
Wollongong, 10 October 2011
Has your council passed a resolution against coal or coal seam gas too? Let us know!
