Inquiry into Coal Seam Gas welcomed
12-May-2011
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed the announcement that the impact of mining coal seam gas on the Murray Darling Basin will be part of a Senate inquiry that will be conducted by the Rural Affairs and Transport Committee.
“This is significant as mining and especially coal seam gas extraction is a hot topic in my electorate at present,” Mr Coulton said.
“A couple of weeks ago I met with farmers at Tooraweenah and they expressed their concerns regarding the exploration process.”
“This inquiry will give all directly affected or genuinely concerned people a chance to raise their concerns and I believe out of it, they will gain the information they have been seeking. Representatives from the gas companies will also have the opportunity to make a presentation.”
The inquiry will investigate the economic, social and environmental impact of mining coal seam gas and will focus on the sustainability of water, property rights of landholders, prime agricultural land, associated health impacts and impacts on regional communities.
Mr Coulton worked in conjunction with his Senate colleagues to ensure that coal seam gas was considered for the inquiry into the management of the Murray-Darling Basin, and has suggested locations in the Parkes electorate where the inquiry should be held.
“I have been in communication with members of the committee and have put forward locations in the Parkes electorate that they should consider visiting as part of the inquiry.”