Thousands to march in rally
PROTESTERS from as far away as Sydney are expected to arrive in the Northern Rivers this morning to take part in today's rally against coal seam gas extraction.
Organisers are expecting crowds of more than 5000 to march though Lismore to demand the entire region be declared CSG-free.
Geoff Welham, of Copmanhurst in the Clarence Valley, plans to be at the rally today.
He said he would be making the two-hour drive in order to send a message to the CSG industry.
"There is no way CSG is going to succeed in our area," he said.
The rally is the latest step in the fight against CSG.
Last month The Channon declared itself CSG-free.
Since then other communities including, Modanville, North Lismore, Goolmangar, Coffee, Camp and Modanville have declared themselves CSG-free.
Today, Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell is expected to be presented with declarations from these CSG-free communities, while Clarence Valley Mayor Richie Williamson will receive a declaration from anti-CSG Ewingar.
The day begins at 9am with music in Riverside Park. A march from the park through the CBD will set off at 10am.
Lock the Gate's Drew Hutton and National Toxics Network chief scientist Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith are just two of the speakers expected to address the crowd before the Rock the Gate concert begins.
As many as 20 bands, including Oka, Dubmarine and The Round Mountain Girls, will keep the crowds entertained thought the afternoon.
