Elliot takes CSG concerns to parliament

Re-elected Richmond MP Justine Elliot has taken her constituents’ concerns about coal seam gas to federal parliament, using her opening-day speech yesterday to highlight the issue.

She told parliament that one of the most important issues facing her electorate ‘is stopping harmful coal seam gas mining’.

‘This has been a concern of people on the north coast for a considerable time. Indeed, throughout the federal election campaign many people highlighted to me their concerns about the impact of CSG mining on the north coast,’ she said.

‘The reality is that we now have both a state and a federal Liberal-National government that are absolutely committed to seeing CSG mining rolled out throughout New South Wales,’ she added.

Ms Elliot said she was not afraid of a fight on the issue.

‘I will certainly take them all on, including the new resources minister, the member for Groom, who is out there actively pushing the CSG companies to come to the north coast.

‘Well, I have some information for him: we do not want the CSG companies there. We will make sure we keep highlighting this at all levels of government.’

Ms Elliot said the people of her electorate had ‘made their voice and their concerns very clear’.

‘They do not want to have any harmful coal seam gas mining in our area. We will continue our campaign, and I am very honoured to be able to continue it in the federal parliament.

‘This is an issue right across the electorate. It is of so much concern to everyone in terms of its impacts on our water quality and our environment.

‘It is such a concern for so many people and I will continue to advocate for the concerns of the people of the north coast,’ she said.