Voices of the Valley – Media Release Latrobe Valley residents say ‘no’ to unconventional gas 24th July 2014 Concerned residents turned out today to the state government’s ‘Unconventional Gas Community Consultation’ session in Traralgon to express opposition to the unconventional gas industry in the Latrobe Valley. Mrs. Wendy Farmer, Voices of the Valley President: “Most of the Latrobe Valley is under at least one unconventional gas license, and most people haven’t been informed or consulted about this. Companies can drill and frack a coal seam gas well 100 metres from your house, but people have not been informed about the potential risks.” Controversy surrounding the unconventional gas industry has grown following instances of aquifer contamination and health impacts to local residents in NSW and Queensland. In Tara, Queensland, families living near coal seam gas projects have reported a range of symptoms ranging from blood noses, headaches, nausea, numbness and seizures, since the industry began. In NSW, the government has banned fracking within 2km of towns over 1000 people, vineyards and horse breeders. “Wherever people are presented with the facts and asked about unconventional gas, the vast majority of them don’t want this industry anywhere near their homes or farms. It’s time that Russell Northe, Minister for Energy and Resources, acted in the best interests of the community and put buffer zones around towns and gave farmers the right to say no on their property.” The government’s stance on unconventional gas stands in stark contrast to their planning laws regarding wind farms. Landowers have the power to veto a wind turbine within 2km of their property, and there are 5km buffer zones around major towns. Nineteen towns in Gippsland have now declared themselves Gasfield-free. For comment: Wendy Farmer: 0408 261 551 Ursula Alquier, Victorian Lock the Gate Coordinator: 0499 991 324
Posted on: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 13:03:35 +0000
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