Lock the Gate Alliance has welcomed the NSW Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party's statement that it supports a ban on coal seam gas “anywhere water supply could be threatened” and the party’s promise to support the state opposition’s Coal Seam and Other Unconventional Gas Moratorium Bill 2015 if it is brought forward in parliamentary business tomorrow, the last sitting day before the NSW state election next year.
The ALP’s Bill was introduced three years ago, and Thursday is the last opportunity for private members’ bills to be voted on in parliament.
The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers’ Party has today issued a statement declaring its MLCs would vote for the Bill tomorrow if the opportunity arose.
Lock the Gate Alliance National Coordinator Phil Laird said: “There is growing political consensus that the Great Artesian Basin recharge should be made off-limits to coal seam gas.
“Today’s commitment from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers puts the ball firmly in the National Party’s court as the only party in North West NSW with a pro-CSG position.
“We’re calling on the National Party to listen to their constituents in north-west NSW and act now to stop the Narrabri gas project.
“Coal seam gas is a huge and unresolved issue in rural NSW and the community expects action to ensure the Great Artesian Basin is protected from risky gas projects.
“The community wants strong action from the NSW Government now to cancel expired CSG licences in the State’s north west and form a unity ticket with political parties from across the spectrum in prioritising the protection of our precious water resources over high risk short-term gas grabs”
ENDS