Four hundred Central Coast residents packed out the Central Coast Grammar School hall on Thursday, November 27, to discuss the risks posed by coal seam gas and coal mining to drinking water, local industries, nature and human health.
The forum was organised by Our Central Coast, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, Community Environment Network and the Our Land, Our Water, Our Future alliance. Australian actor Michael Caton, Father Rod Bower and local mum Alexia Martinez were among the speakers. Danielle Coleman from Our Central Coast, a non-partisan alliance of individuals and community groups, said the Central Coast was at the frontline of coal seam gas (CSG) and coal mining issues. “The Coalition Government has broken its election commitment to rule out the controversial Wallarah 2 coal mine near Wyong,” said Ms Coleman. “Much of the Mountains District and drinking water catchment for the Central Coast is overlaid by a coal seam gas exploration license. “It’s time the community’s concerns were heard and their drinking water and livelihoods were protected. “Many people would be shocked to know there is a coal seam gas exploration license over the Central Coast’s water catchment. “The forum was an important milestone for our community which is now armed with the reality of the community impacts of coal and coal seam gas. “The response was incredible. “Every hand was in the air when we asked who wanted to protect our Central Coast water and environment from coal and coal seam gas. “The current system is clearly broken if it can’t protect the essentials of life, like clean water. “The Central Coast has been let-down by our political leaders and it’s time for the community to fi nd out the truth and demand our Central Coast remain coal and gas free,” said Ms Coleman.
Media release, 1 Dec 2014
Amy Gordon, Essential
Media Communications