[Greens-Media] Coal seam gas industry arrogance will not earn a social licence

[Max Phillips]

JEREMY BUCKINGHAM MLC - MEDIA RELEASE

29 May 2013

Coal seam gas industry arrogance will not earn a social licence

The Greens NSW spokesperson on mining Jeremy Buckingham slammed the arrogance of the gas industry and resources ministers on display at the APPEA conference, after Santos moved to 'escalate its war' against opponents of coal seam gas and NSW Resources Minister, Chris Hartcher accused the community of ignorance. 

"The battle over coal seam gas is truly a David and Goliath battle. The gas industry has spent many millions on television, print and online ads and paid consultants to draft glowing reports. Meanwhile community groups are holding stalls and public meetings and putting their bodies on the line blockading drill rigs," said Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham.

"For the industry to complain that opponents of CSG have hijacked the debate is ridiculous.  For Minister Hartcher to complain of a level of ignorance in the community is offensive.

"The public have good bullshit detectors and the alarm is sounding loud when it comes to spin from the coal seam gas industry.

"First we were told coal seam gas is clean. Then it was all about jobs and economic development.  Now it's a threat of gas shortages and price hikes.

"A social licence has to be earned from the community.  It cannot be bought with money and slick advertising or imposed by government.

"The CEOs of these energy companies that have put all their eggs in the CSG/LNG basket should get the sack. They've backed the wrong horse. They should have invested in renewable energy such as solar and wind, which is what the public wants and what the climate needs.

"Rather than attacking opponents of coal seam gas, government and industry should be discussing a east coast domestic gas reservation policy to ensure the artificial gas shortage being caused by the rush to export coal seam gas, does not adversely affect domestic manufacturers and residential customers," said Mr Buckingham.

Contact: Max Phillips - 9230 2202 or  0419 444 916