The NSW Nature Conservation Council (NCC) has renewed calls to create no-go zones for coal and coal seam gas (CSG) on the Central Coast.
“We welcome the attention coal and coal seam gas is getting from the ALP and the Liberal MP Chris Holstein, but the people of the Central Coast are demanding more than talk,” said NCC campaigns director Ms Daisy Barham. “The drinking-water catchment, special natural areas, farmlands and residential areas of the Central Coast must be declared a coal and gas no-go zone to restore the faith of the community in our decision makers.” After a standing-roomonly community meeting recently, both major parties have commented on coal seam gas on the Central Coast. “Chris Holstein says there is no coal seam gas on the Central Coast, but the reality is that AGL has a license to explore in the Mountains District,” said Ms Barham. “Why hand out licenses if you wouldn’t consider approving production? “If Mr Holstein is serious about standing up for the land and water of the Central Coast he should work with Premier Baird to declare no-go zones for coal and gas. “The proposed Wallarah 2 coal mine is still a looming threat to the Central Coast’s drinking water supply despite a promise before the 2011 election to protect the catchment from mining. “The Government’s own website clearly shows that AGL holds an exploration license for coal seam gas in PEL 2, which covers much of the Mountains District and the precious water catchment. “As the Central Coast prepares to go to the polls in just four months, the community deserves to know, who will finally put an end to the devastating Wallarah 2 coal mine proposal.” Ms Barham said the ALP has committed to map and then protect core water catchments and aquifers from coal seam gas. “Labor’s plan to map and protect the Central Coast aquifer from CSG is welcome recognition of the damage this industry can cause. “It is a very positive first step, however our special natural areas, farmland and communities must also be off limits.” Before the 2011 state election, then Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell said there would be no coal mining in the Central Coast water catchments, “no ifs, no buts”. However Wallarah 2 is still being actively considered The project would undermine several waterways and was previously rejected because of uncertainty around subsidence, surface water and impacts to the environment and heritage. Ms Barham, said all parties contesting the state election should show their commitment to keeping water resources safe from coal and coal seam gas by supporting no-go zones where these activities may impact on water catchments. “The Central Coast is at the frontline of coal and coal seam gas battles in NSW. “With just months until the election, we’re calling on all candidates to create no-go zones to protect the region,” she said.
Media release,
5 Dec 2014
James Tremain,
NSW NCC