Cameron to move on gas moratorium

BYRON Bay councillor Basil Cameron will propose a moratorium on coal seam gas mining in the Byron Shire at today’s monthly meeting.

Lismore, Kyogle and Ballina councils have already passed moratoriums on coal seam gas mining as the industry expands in the region, as has county council Rous Water.

“A moratorium on coal seam gas mining is urgently needed due to community concerns about the safety of the production process and a lack of a suitable regulatory framework,” Cr Cameron said.

"Community health and safety is paramount. Our water supply and food production are too important to put at risk from polluted ground water and contaminated farm land.

"There is a need to ensure that coal seam gas mining does not threaten Byron Shire's incredible biodiversity. The economic benefits of tourism are in danger of being undermined by mining activities that conflict with our Shire's attractions.

“A moratorium on coal seam gas mining provides an opportunity for the development of a proper framework for the exploration and production of coal seam gas so that landowners can be properly informed and their rights respected.”

Two companies, Metgasco and Arrow are mainly exploring around the Northern Rivers, with the vast amount of drilling occurring in the Richmond Valley Council local government area.

Richmond Valley Council has not approved of a moratorium.