Council to show CSG opportunities

Richmond Valley Council, although aware of community concerns about coal-seam gas mining, feels it should identify and develop economic opportunities with the industry in the region.

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DESPITE growing concerns about the burgeoning coal-seam gas industry, Richmond Valley Council (RVC) will proceed with its plans to work with the industry to identify and develop economic opportunities in the region.

RVC general manager Brian Wilkinson said the council was aware of community concerns about the industry.

In recent months momentum against coal-seam gas mining has increased, with a protest march held in Lismore and special meetings across the region.

Kyogle, Lismore, and Ballina councils along with Rous Water have called for a moratorium on the industry.

However, the RVC was obliged to take advantage of opportunities for economic development when they arose, Mr Wilkinson said.

“We believe there is a distinct possibility it can help industrial development,” Mr Wilkinson said.

At this month’s council meeting a notice of motion which would see the council forward any application related to coal-seam gas to Rous Water for evaluation and comment to be seconded by any other councillor, as a result it was not debated.

Cr Kinnish said there needed to be a debate about the issue.

“There are a lot of concerned people out there,” she said.

“I don’t want to see any further developments until we know the impacts.

“We need to step back and look at the facts, not just the potential income.”

Richmond Wilson Combined Water Users Association chairman Chris Magner said the group initially had no concerns about the industry but now they were not so certain.

“There is uncertainty,” Mr Magner said.

“There are concerns it could wreck agricultural industries.” However, Mr Magner said “the group felt Metgasco, which operates mostly in the Casino area, had been transparent in their talks with the group”.

RVC has applied for a special rate variation of 3.2 % from which, if granted, $40,500 would be used to employ a project officer. The role of the officer would be to work on the development of the coal-seam gas industry and Casino’s proposed rail hub.