CSG ‘worse than global warming'

Katie Doyle and her daughter Lilly, 10, at the Anti-CSG Rally in Byron Bay in October where they were awarded “Best Banner” for their efforts.

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THERE is no room for complacency on the topic of coal-seam gas and its potentially devastating effect on the Clarence Valley's environment and economy, says a Grafton family who are calling on the community to educate themselves about the "threat".

Katie Doyle and her partner Reuben Moss are part of an extended family including Seanine and Nathan Cooper and Jarad Doyle who have been active in their opposition to CSG and chemical rock-fracturing or fracking.

The family group attended an anti-CSG rally in Byron Bay in October and Ms Doyle believes the Clarence Valley is quiet in comparison to other areas of the North Coast in its opposition to CSG.

Mr Moss said one reason for the lack of activism, especially in Grafton, was that CSG was seen as a "Greeny" issue in a traditionally conservative area.

The family helped collect 150 signatures on a petition calling for a moratorium on CSG mining in late October and found many people were reluctant to sign when they saw The Greens logo.

"What we are saying is this is far bigger than the Greens and it's not just the environment or health that will be affected by this industry; there is a monetary effect ... your land is going to be worth squat," Mr Moss said.

"If the Clarence Valley is contaminated it will destroy agriculture, fishing and tourism."

Mr Moss, who worked in the mines at Mt Isa, said mining didn't benefit local communities to the extent the industry would like the public believe.

He said labour was often brought in from outside the area or from overseas and rents became unaffordable for the town's young people or those not employed by the mines.

Profits usually left Australia, he said, and the only real beneficiaries were the CEOs, directors and shareholders of these companies.

"Can you imagine not being able to grow your own food or drink your own water?

"We'll have to import water; we'll be like a third world country and those that can't afford to import their water will get sick," he said.

Mr Moss said CSG posed a more immediate threat to Australian people than global warming and government resources should be redirected accordingly.

He criticised the appointment by Metgasco of Richmond Valley councillor Stuart George, the son of Lismore MP Thomas George, saying it was a clear conflict of interest.

"We are very concerned for the environment and for the health of those living near GSG wells," Ms Doyle said.

"It can contaminate bore water which is fed to stock. It is disturbing to see farmers not having any rights about what's going on their land."

The couple raised concerns with Metgasco's proposed Lions Rd pipeline which would see a pipe run from Casino to Queensland through the Border Ranges and some world heritage rainforest.

"The industry cannot guarantee this is safe," said Ms Doyle.

"Everyone knows that piplines leak eventually and underground it is difficult to monitor."

Those interested can join the Facebook group started by the family Clarence Valley Against Coal Seam Gas Fracking.

More information can be found at http://northernriversguardians.org/ or www.metgasco.com.au.