The Lock the Gate Alliance says that the ALP’s promise to permanently ban coal seam gas in the Pilliga forest in North West New South Wales is a hugely significant and welcome commitment and has called on the Baird Government to give North West farming communities certainty by matching the pledge.
Lock the Gate Alliance New South Wales Coordinator, Georgina Woods, said, “The Pilliga Sandstone is a recharge aquifer for the Great Artesian Basin, and drilling for coal seam gas should never have been approved there. It is simply irresponsible to allow a risky venture like coal seam gas to put this ancient water source at risk when so many communities are utterly dependent on it.
“We welcome the Labor Party’s commitment that the Pilliga will be safe if they win the election, but the farming communities of the North West need the certainty that no matter who wins Government, coal seam gas will not proceed in the Pilliga.
“Santos have all but pulled out of the project. There’s no reason to press ahead with it, and so much to lose. We’re asking Premier Mike Baird to match this promise and make the Pilliga off limits to CSG.”