Call for a NSW Inquiry into CSG - Submissions Due September 7th

There is plenty of momentum now in our struggle to rein in the coal seam gas industry. The community is clearly rising up against it and we need to keep the pressure on if we want to usher in a renewable energy future rather then a dirty gas future for NSW.

That's why it’s important that we all take the time to put in a submission, even if only a brief one, to the NSW Upper House Inquiry into coal seam gas.

Please distribute this guide as widely as possible to email lists and contacts, and help make sure there are heaps of submissions from groups and individuals to make the most of this Inquiry.

This is an important chance to let our state politicians know that we will not accept NSW being converted into one enormous industrial zone. This Inquiry may well have a major impact in deciding the future of coal seam gas in NSW. Let's make it count!

The closing date for submissions is 7th September. You can see details of the inquiry at

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/29AE48525CFAEA7CCA2578E3001ABD1C

The Terms of Reference for the inquiry are incredibly broad. So we've attached a list of some key points that may be relevant under each one. Feel free to pull out the points that most capture your concerns, and try to present them in your words.

Don't get put off by the scope of the Inquiry – just choose the issues that concern you most, it's fine to put in a short submission if that's all you have time for.

Most importantly, make sure that you ask for:

1. A full moratorium on all forms of coal seam gas drilling until the environmental, social and health impacts have been rigorously and independently assessed.
2. Coal seam gas exploration and mining to be made subject to all relevant environmental legislation, including the native vegetation and water management laws.
3. The provision of standing to ensure that the community has full legal rights to challenge and enforce environmental laws under which coal seam gas companies are operating.
4. The provision of a right in the Petroleum (Onshore) Act to allow landholders to refuse consent for coal seam gas exploration or production on their land.
5. A prohibition on coal seam gas exploration and mining in important bushland, valuable farmland, groundwater aquifers, residential areas and public lands.
6. A requirement that all chemicals used in coal seam gas drilling or fracking must be assessed by the chemical regulator for use for that purpose before being approved for use.

Submissions can be made online at

https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/web/submissions.nsf/Submission?OpenForm&ParentUNID=3FE299721A425659CA2578E3001C1B61&House=LC

.

Or in writing and sent to:

The Director

General Purpose Standing Committee No. 5

Parliament House

Macquarie St

Sydney NSW 2000

Fax: (02) 9230 2981

This is a great opportunity to let the state parliament know how communities feel about CSG, lets make the most of it!