Hundreds rally against CSG meeting
HUNDREDS of Northern Rivers locals converged on Lismore City Hall this morning to protest against coal seam gas mining ahead of a CSG presentation by senior NSW bureaucrats and Planning Minister Brad Hazzard.
The rally, held on the steps of City Hall, brought the anti-CSG community out in force.
Speakers included Lismore City councilor Simon Clough, psychologist Dr Wayne Somerville, and senior adviser to the National Toxics Network Dr Mariann Lloyd Smith.
Protestors criticized the current NSW coal seam gas policy as giving 'open slather' to the CSG industry with insufficient regard to community views.
Elliot weighs in
Meanwhile, Richmond Labor MP Justine Elliot has chosen this moment to declare her opposition to coal seam gas drilling, urging her Nationals State counterparts to speak out againstt CSG.
"It's time to draw a line in the sand on this important environmental issue," Mrs Elliot said in a statement.
"We know the community's view. It is clear. Our community does not want Coal Seam Gas Mining and it's up to the State National Party MPs to do their job, to stand up, and stop this today.
"Today is the perfect time to speak out as the NSW State Planning Minister Brad Hazzard is here to host a pro-CSG forum in Lismore.
"I call on the National Party State MPs to tell Minister Hazzard and the O'Farrell Government that our community needs a moratorium on CSG on the North Coast.
"The ball is totally in their court: the State Government regulates and licences Coal Seam Gas Mining; and they can stop it dead."
