Blockade: Scenic Rim at Kerry, Beaudesert Qld.

Support for Scenic Rim CSG blockade

 Yesterday morning (12th January) the SE QLD community and others from around the Scenic Rim established a blockade to stop drilling underway in Kerry, near Beaudesert to allow time for baseline water studies and an independent study into the potential impacts of coal seam gas drilling on underground water. Please help us keep the blockade strong by coming down and standing with us.

Why is this important?

 When coal seam gas drilling in the United States allegedly contaminated underground water supplies, mining companies refused to take blame. They challenged bore-owners to prove it was them. Without test data confirming water levels/purity pre-drilling, this was very difficult.

Some Kerry farmers and others in the community have been pushing for 'baseline' testing, to gain understanding of local groundwater systems and also as insurance, if something does go wrong. We know accidents happen. We are concerned that if Arrow Energy pushes ahead with drilling before tests are done, there is increased potential for less accurate data and contamination. We are also asking for an independent study of groundwater aquifers which extend from the Scenic Rim into the wider south-east Queensland area including Brisbane. We need to fully understand these systems to assess the risk gas production might pose.

How will we stop the drilling to allow for testing?

The Liverpool Plains and Gloucester have already given us the answer: late last year both communities used peaceful blockades to stop access to drill sites, while they negotiated with the gas companies. Their leverage was the expensive drill, forced to sit idle and the fact that their demands were not unreasonable. Both groups successfully stopped drilling to allow for testing
Peaceful community action groups such as Northern Rivers Guardians, Rock Valley GAS Rangers, Group Against GAS Kyogle, Nimbin Environment Centre and Caldera Environment Centre have members on their way to Kerry.

More people are needed. Please come and protect our country. The blockade may be necessary for 2 weeks or more.

 Where:   the community blockade is on Nindooinbah Estate Rd at Kerry. Go to Scenic Rim web site (http://www.keepthescenicrimscenic.com) or Facebook for full info.