Lock the Gate Alliance President Drew Hutton has warned Shooters and Fishers Party MP and Coal Seam Gas Inquiry chair Robert Brown that he risks a backlash from the bush if the inquiry report does not recommend a moratorium on coal seam gas exploration and production in NSW.
"Regional NSW is already fed up at the support for the coal seam gas industry from the NSW Coalition Government and particularly the National Party. If chair Robert Brown and the Shooters and Fishers Party ignore the concerns of the bush in the inquiry report, they risk a similar backlash and a community revolt.
"The community appreciate the opportunity to have their say through the committee process, but if their voices are ignored, I am confident they will implement their own regulation on the CSG industry through ongoing community campaigns and blockades.
"There have also been a number of environmental incidents recently admitted by Santos at their Pilliga Forest operation which should be recognised in the final report.
"A moratorium is the only logical response to the significant uncertainty highlighted through the inquiry process," Mr Hutton said.