Gloucester sets up camp to block coal seam gas

September 12, 2014
Issue 
Photo: Gloucester Protection Camp/Facebook

Residents in Gloucester, NSW, have set up a permanent camp to stop coal seam gas (CSG) company AGL from beginning exploration in the Gloucester Valley.

Organisers of the camp said: “In August, the state government changed a state planning regulation to allow AGL to frack four existing coal seam gas wells without undertaking a full environmental impact statement.

“AGL have not started fracking yet — they will give the government 28 days notice before beginning fracking, but we don’t want to let them get started at all.

“In December, AGL are due to make their financial decision about whether or not to go ahead with the Gloucester Gas project. The resistance they have already felt from the local community has set them back, but we need your help to show them that when governments side with the coal seam gas miners, protectors stand up for land, water and communities.”

Residents are gathering every morning to block the gates of the project located on Fairbairns Road. They are encouraging more people to join the daily action.

To support a permanent presence of protesters, a Gloucester Protection Camp has been set up which gives people access to free camping with full facilities, and is supported by local businesses.

The camp held a two-day festival on September 12 and 13 to raise awareness of the possible contamination CSG mining could have on the local water catchments.

[To stay in touch with events, text your name to 0455 300 325 to be placed on the sms alert list. Or visit Gloucester Protection Camp on Facebook.]

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