Richmond Valley says no to new coal seam gas
Updated
The Richmond Valley Council is reconsidering its position on the coal-seam industry.
It was the only far north coast council to speak in favour of the industry when a parliamentary inquiry visited the region earlier this year.
But last night councillors voted unanimously for a moratorium on new projects on council-owned land.
Councillor Robert Mustow says the council needs to listen to the community.
“There are concerns in the community over coal seam gas, the council has listened to those and I think the government is starting to listen to those,” he said.
He says the council wants a halt to new projects whilst the government makes its position on industry clear.
“The previous government were all in favour of coal seam gas but they’ve changed their views and now I believe even the government are split on their views on coal seam gas and until the government can get the inquiry finalised, the sooner they adopt it and give the guidelines to the industry everyone will be happy,” Councillor Mustow said.
Two fellow councillors left the room while the vote took place.
Councillor Stuart George refrained from voting because he is an employee of the coal seam gas industry and Charlie Cox also abstained due to family interests.
Topics:mining-rural, environment, oil-and-gas, casino-2470, coffs-harbour-2450, port-macquarie-2444
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