26 C
Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Extension of fracking moratorium

Latest News

Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Other News

Save Wallum finalist in NSW 2024 environment awards

The Save Wallum campaign has been named as a finalist in the Nature Conservation Council of NSW Environment Awards 2024. The award ceremony will be held in Sydney tonight, and Save Wallum spokesperson and ecologist James Barrie will be attending with Tegan Kitt, another founding member of the group.

Premier yet to respond to Albo’s offer of disaster recovery funds

Northern Rivers community groups are renewing calls for the NSW premier to formally ask the Commonwealth to fully fund the region's 2022 disaster recovery.

What the duck!

Most days I ask myself ‘what the duck’ is happening here? How could Trump be president again if he...

Richmond Valley Rail Trail grand opening

The latest leg of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail opened in style on Saturday, with hundreds of two-wheeled travel enthusiasts spinning along the newly opened 13.4 kilometre section from Casino to Bentley.

UK court seeks assurances from US over Julian Assange

The UK High Court of Justice has released a 66 page judgement seeking more information from the United States relating to Australian citizen Julian Assange, which it says it needs before deciding whether to grant the WikiLeaks founder leave to appeal his extradition.

Byron Council staff baulk at councillors’ promise of free parking for locals

Will Byron Council deliver on its pledge to make parking permits free for locals across the Shire when paid parking comes into force in Brunswick Heads?

Minister for Resources and Energy, Chris Hartcher, announced on Friday the extension of the NSW government’s moratorium on fracking until April 2012 pending the completion of an independent review process.

The moratorium, previously scheduled to end on 31 December, ‘will allow for the review and strengthening of existing standards for fracking in NSW, as well as the development of technical guidelines,’ according to a government media release.

It adds that the fracking standards are to be reviewed by industry experts and will also be peer reviewed by the NSW chief scientist and engineer, Professor Mary O’Kane, prior to implementation.

Mr Hartcher said, ‘The NSW government recognises significant recent community concern over the potential for pollution of aquifers by the coal-seam gas industry as part of the fracking process’.

‘That’s why we’re proceeding with caution and making sure the proper frameworks are in place for the protection of our aquifers, our environment and our prime agricultural land.’

The review is considering local material with a particular focus on Queensland, as well as overseas standards in the US and Canada.

The NSW government is also currently reviewing the standards for coal-seam gas well integrity to ensure all activity is contained within the well and to prevent the potential escape of any gases or liquids.

The Greens NSW spokesperson on mining Jeremy Buckingham has cautiously welcomed the four-month extension of the moratorium.

‘Extending the ban on fracking is a sensible decision that the Greens welcome, but should be extended to the whole industry,’ said Mr Buckingham said on Friday.

‘Our water resources are precious and the precautionary approach to drilling and fracking is required, as the Senate Inquiry recently recommended.

‘The government must ensure that the review of fracking processes is transparent and accessible for the public.

‘The minister should clarify whether the fracking ban pertains to existing approvals such as AGL’s operations at Camden and Menangle Park.

‘While welcome, this announcement continues the piecemeal approach to coal-seam gas by the O’Farrell government.

‘What the community wants is a moratorium on the entire industry until the science is clear, strategic regional land use plans have been completed and accepted by the community, and the aquifer interference regulation has been finalised to the satisfaction of farmers and experts,’ he said.

 


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region. 

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.

Saddle Road group home DA decision this week

Plans to build Byron Shire’s first permanent group home for women and children in housing stress are moving ahead, with the development application for the project coming before Council this week.