Gasfield Free Northern Rivers has welcomed the news from Minister Anthony Roberts of the time extension to the Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) buy back scheme, however they noted that the community needs the issue to be resolved soon. The new proposal by Thomas George that it could take years doesn't match with community expectations and there is an urgent need to resolve the issue now.
"After years of fighting to remain gasfield free, our community has grown weary of the promises and inaction by the Government to protect us from invasive gas mining." said Gasfield Free Northern Rivers Coordinator Dean Draper
"It seemed to be very urgent one week before the election when Thomas George and Troy Grant announced a promise to buyback a licence, but now it seems even that's no longer a priority with Thomas George telling us it could be years away.
"There are seven licences that cover the Northern Rivers and we need to know the Government is working towards removing them all and when that is going to happen. We need certainty, we need protection and we need it now.
"Why is it so hard to get transparency in the process or any firm commitment from the Government now that the election is over? This has gone on too long, our community wants to get back to their lives and to have the threat of dangerous gas mining hanging over our heads does not allow that to happen.