Gloucester Shire Council has thrown its support behind a bid by Independent Member for Lyne Rob Oakeshott for a scientific study to be undertaken on the impact of coal seam gas mining on the Gloucester Valley’s water resources.
Mr Oakeshott, along with Independent Member for New England Tony Windsor secured tighter regulation of coal seam gas mining during neogitaiotns last November on the mining tax, and has written to Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke, requesting priority research status for Gloucester.
Councillors voted to support Mr Oakeshott’s request, and will advise the Premier and the relevant government departments of their support.
Cr Tony Tersteeg submitted the notice of motion and argued that the largest potential problem with coal seam gas was the potential impact on water supply.
“We need to support this to determine if there will be an impact on our water resources.”
He said if Gloucester was a priority area for the study it will bring clarity to the issue in the local area.
Mayor Geoff Slack said he supported the motion as the study would be an independent umpire on the issue and whatever the outcome of the study the community would have to accept those decisions. It was a sentiment also echoed by Cr John Rosenbaum.
Gloucestor Advocate
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