The Lock the Gate Alliance has welcomed the Green's announcement of their national coal and unconventional gas policy.
Phil Laird of the Lock the Gate Alliance said he hoped the policy would trigger a cooperative approach from all political parties with unconventional gas a key issue in a range of electorates from Page to New England and Barker.
“This is not just a state issue and all parties know the federal government has the power to regulate under the corporations and exports powers,” Mr Laird said today.
“We have seen an unprecedented social movement of landholders, farmers, businesses, rural and city communities unite across Australia to protect water resources, people and landscapes from coal and unconventional gas -- now we need policies that deliver on their expectations.
“In the previous parliament, the Australian Greens have a strong record of support of coal seam gas and coal affected communities. They have acted for those communities in Parliament over the last term, and have policies to protect water resources, farmland and public health.
“These policies are in line with our polling which shows 80% of the general population and 95% of surveyed landholders want the right to lock their gate - to say no to coal and unconventional gas.
“We call on the Coalition and Labor to take a leaf out of their book, return balance to land access arrangements by giving traditional owners and landholders the right to say ‘no to coal and unconventional gas’,” he said.
To learn more about the Lock the Gate Alliance campaign to secure support from all parties for key policies this election, visit the Water4Life campaign: http://tinyurl.com/hld5zts
