Tyalgum declared CSG-free

The first of a series of Tweed towns has become a CSG-free community following a rally and community celebration in Tyalgum over the weekend.

Local-road representatives presented declarations from 32 neighbouring roads to Tweed mayor Barry Longland. Each received a Gasfield-Free sign to be displayed on the road.

Since May, members have been surveying residents along each road in the area about whether they wanted coal-seam gas exploration on their road.

Michael McNamara, from Lock the Gate – Tweed, said the response had been overwhelming.

‘Over 98 per cent of residents in the Tyalgum area have said they want their roads and community to be CSG-free,’ he said.

‘The CSG-free Communities initiative gives communities an opportunity denied to them by the government and the CSG companies to have a say about the imposition of this industrial development in their community.’

He said the initiative was ‘spreading like wildfire across the northern rivers because it engages local residents, and gives them a voice, in determining the future of their community’.

‘It is a very empowering process for both communities and individuals,’ Mr McNamara said.

Community meetings are scheduled for other areas across the Tweed shire.

A meeting for Cabarita Beach/Bogangar residents was held last night at the Cabarita Sports Club.

Bilambil residents will have their chance tonight at the Bilambil Sports Club, with Kingscliff on Wednesday at Cudgen Leagues Club and Pottsville on Thursday at the Pottsville Community Hall. All meetings start at 7pm.

Over coming weeks meetings are scheduled for Banora Point, Chillingham, Uki and Burringbar/Mooball/Crabbes Creek.

Anyone interested in organising or participating in the CSG-free Communities initiative can contact Michael on 6679 3013 or [email protected].