[Greens-Media] O'Farrell must visit Western Sydney and explain secret coal seam gas well approval

[Max Phillips]

JEREMY BUCKINGHAM MLC  THE GREENS NSW

MEDIA RELEASE

23 August 2012

O'Farrell must visit Western Sydney and explain secret coal seam gas well approval

The Greens NSW spokesperson on mining Jeremy Buckingham called on Premier Barry O'Farrell to visit residents in the Western Suburb of Menangle Park, and explain why his government allowed an AGL production coal seam gas well to be approved without local residents even being notified.

"The Premier proudly took responsibility as the Minister for Western Sydney, so it is incumbent on Mr O'Farrell to explain to residents at Menangle Park, why his government allowed a coal seam gas well to be approved near their homes without any notification," said Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham.

"Both Campbelltown Council and the Environmental Protection Agency insisted that local residents be notified and consulted regarding the proposal for a new coal seam gas production well only 40 metres from the Nepean River, and within earshot of their homes.

"It's a disgrace that there has been no real consultation with local residents about this coal seam gas well.  Although residents had been kept awake all night by noise and lights, they didn't know the cause was AGL drilling for gas until I knocked on their doors and told them what was going on.

"If Barry O'Farrell thinks adequate consultation requires residents of Menangle Park, Glen Alpine and Campbelltown monitoring the Department of Planning's website in order to find out whether there is a gas well application near their homes, then he's out of touch with reality.

"I call on Barry O'Farrell to go out to Menangle Park, and explain to residents why they should live near a coal seam gas well.

"The Government has no regulatory response to the coal seam gas industry's plans to operate in urban environments - other than to press the go button, without even notifying residents," said Mr Buckingham
AGL  attended a Barry O'Farrell Liberal Party fundraising event prior to the last election and donated $5,000.  AGL also attended a joint Barry O'Farrell and Brad Hazzard fundraiser, donating $1,000.

Contact: Max Phillips - 9230 2202  or  0419 444 916