[Greens-Media] Alert: Wollombi gas meeting: Greens MP Lee Rhiannon to speak

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Alert - 8 August 2008

Wollombi gas exploration public meeting: Greens MP Lee Rhiannon to speak

What:	NSW Greens MP Lee Rhiannon to speak at public meeting opposing Coal Seam Gas extraction in the Wollombi Valley
When:	From 10am, Saturday 9 August 2008
Where: 	Laguna Hall, Laguna Village

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon will join community members, environmental activists and councillors at a WAGE* public meeting opposing Sydney Gas and AGL Energy's project to explore for coal seam methane gas in the Wollombi Valley.

Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says:

"The extraction of coal seam methane gas has no place in the historic, environmentally sensitive Wollombi Valley and the Iemma government should quarantine the area from exploration and drilling.

"The profits of big gas companies should not come before the rights of residents to peaceful enjoyment of this precious area and the protection of critical water supplies.

"The extraction of coal seam methane gas is a brutal process, involving digging up land, air and noise pollution and thunderous trucks assisting the process.

"Experience in the US shows the serious impacts of this kind of mining. 

"Drinking water levels in wells near methane development has reportedly dropped by 200 feet and artesian wells that tap into the coal beds have also disappeared.

"The NSW government has a history of granting mining approval despite all the best evidence presented as to why projects should not go ahead. 

"To reclaim credibility Premier Iemma should say no to this ill-advised development," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information:  Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
*Wollombi Valley Against Gas Extraction


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au