200 discuss anti-CSG tactics

Friends of the Pilliga blockade a coal-seam gas rig. Non-violent options were considered at the Kyogle forum.

Contributed

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ABOUT 200 people attended an anti-coal-seam gas forum in Kyogle on Tuesday night. At the forum, Queensland landholders said they have been adversely affected by CSG operations in their area.

They also heard from an environmental scientist who said Metgasco's proposal to build a gas pipeline from near Casino to south-east Queensland would damage the world heritage-listed Border Ranges National Park.

Brian Monk and his wife Caroline travelled to the forum from their property near Kogan, about 100km north-west of Toowoomba.

Mr Monk said the property is “surrounded by gas wells”, and that the wells are depriving them of the peace and health benefits for which they purchased the land.

Noting that about 20 protesters have disrupted operations at a CSG well in the Pilliga State Forest near Narrabri, non-violent actions to prevent Metgasco entering land to build the proposed pipeline were discussed. Environmental scientist Boudica Cerese also said the company has given little explanation how they will build the pipeline without damaging the environment, which she said is listed as a biodiversity hot-spot.

Metgasco chief financial officer Glenda McLoughlin said the company remains committed to building the pipeline as opportunities arise in the future.

“Before any construction can commence we will complete a full environmental assessment,” Ms McLoughlin said.