Coulton calls for caution for Coal Seam Gas
03-November-2011
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton attended a briefing by the CSIRO regarding Coal Seam Gas (CSG) in Australia in Parliament House yesterday. Mr Coulton believes this is one of the most significant issues facing his electorate and as such he requested a private briefing by Dr Peter Stone, Deputy Chief, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences and Dr Marcus Lane Program Leader, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences.
“Coal Seam Gas exploration licences have been granted over very productive farming land in my electorate, and I felt this briefing on the science of the issue was imperative.”
“I believe this is a very emotive issue and rightly so. People are concerned about the environment, water and their personal wellbeing,” Mr Coulton said. “I felt it was important to get a clear understanding of the scientific research that has taken place and is currently underway. It was a very constructive meeting.”
“The CSIRO gave a very factual presentation about CSG and the methods of extraction. However, I still have a great concern about the uncertainty surrounding this industry. There are many gaps in the information available and the knowledge required, before the community can have complete confidence in the sustainability of this industry. The fact that Australia’s landscape is so diverse means the risks associated differ greatly from area to area.”
“While Governments are searching for ways of regulating this emerging industry, I don’t believe farmers will be better served by legislation that could ultimately affect their ability to manage their farms. The last thing farmers want is to have environmentalists crawling all over their properties looking for endangered species of flora and fauna. History has shown that stronger environmental laws have not served the best interests of the farming community,” Mr Coulton said.
“Traditionally farmers haven’t done well from green policies. Farmers do not want or need further red tape regulation and environmental restrictions. We do not want to come to a point where farmers have difficulty managing their enterprise because of legislation that was enacted federally. Legislation is difficult to reverse, so it is imperative that any legislation put in place to regulate the CSG industry does not have any unforseen consequences for farmers.”
Mr Coulton has met with constituents who are concerned with CSG and has toured properties around Bellata and Narrabri that are under current CSG exploration licences.
“Until we know more about this industry, particularly in NSW, I believe the best course of action is to slow it down,” Mr Coulton said. “There are some areas where it is just too risky to go ahead with extraction. We cannot undo damage to water resources. It is better to take precaution rather than dealing with it as it happens.”