Has nothing been learnt by the NSW Liberals and Nationals about listening to communities when it comes to coal seam gas?
The recent announcement of plans to try to buy off farmers will not rub well in regional NSW.
Landholders and regional communities have been left frustrated with years of uncertainty and have learned over that time that CSG presents an unacceptable risk to their precious water supplies. Money can’t make good an aquifer.
But Mike Baird has decided to ignore the facts, and those communities across NSW who have expressed their informed opposition to this industry. As the premier said earlier this week, ‘Do we want coal seam gas? Absolutely.’
We could do things differently in NSW. We have the potential to repower our state with renewable energy and get off coal and gas. Global demand for Australia’s food and fibre is increasing and we are well placed to take advantage of that, as long as we protect our land and water.
Premier Mike Baird could have envisioned a better, healthier, cleaner future, but instead he has decided to appease the coal seam gas industry.
The premier could have listened to the community, but once again, like the former Labor government, he has decided he knows better. That’s the key lesson not learned.
Justin Field, Greens candidate for the Legislative Council, Manyana
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
