More than 50 anti coal-seam-gas (CSG) protesters rallied outside minister for north coast Don Page’s office yesterday to vent their anger at his government’s approval CSG mining in the region.
Greens Cr Jeff Johnson and members of Ballina’s CSG-Free community addressed the peaceful protest, saying locals were outraged.
Cr Johnson says Mr Page, who is also minister for local government, has let the community down by supporting CSG in the northern rivers.
‘The Liberal National government has ignored the concerns of local residents by lifting the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking), approving new exploration licences in the northern rivers, and by awarding Metgasco a production licence.
‘Don Page needs to explain why he has ignored the concerns of local residents in favour of the short-term profits being offered by the mining companies.
‘There are aquifers underneath the Alstonville Plateau; nobody can guarantee that they won’t be affected by CSG mining in the region.
‘Don Page has ignored the NSW Farmers Federation, six local councils, and is putting our water supply at risk.
‘As the minister for the north coast and local government, Mr Page should be representing the concerns of local residents. With this decision Mr Page has shown that the interests of foreign-owned mining companies are more important than those of local residents.’
Mr Page you are stepping into hot water……going against peoples wishes and siding with greed is a folly you might regret.
Don Page has been in politics for so long I think he’s asleep at the wheel… When’s the next election?
Don Page is once again all promise, but no walk.
His silence speaks more than a thousand words.
Unfortunately he is not the only one. All politicians have once again been subservient to the big business.
The environment will always come last on their agenda. Greed rules! Hey Don?
The peoples voice and uproar will be just a small, temporary irritation on the way to make billions of dollars of profit for his mates.
Shame on you Don, shame on the Nationals.
Wake up!
Alok Eggenberger
Its a tragedy that we cannot trust the Lib/National Coalition or Labor when it comes to protecting our environment whether it be Government owned land, agricultural or whatever…..particularly against vested interests such as mining companies and developers.
All we get are the same type of lies