NORTHERN Rivers Tourism is the latest organisation to call for a moratorium on all coal seam gas mining in NSW, expressing concerns about the possible negative impacts it could have on tourism in the region.
Northern Rivers Tourism CEO Russell Mills said it was "appropriate for the region's peak tourism body" to seek certainty from state and federal governments that the $1.3 billion tourism industry was not compromised.
"The Northern Rivers takes a lead from the natural landscapes and rural character in which we live. It is these assets and character which inform our reputation amongst visitors and which generate billions of dollars of tourism income for the region and the state," he said.
Mr Mills said the Northern Rivers tourism industry employed 8000 people full-time. He is seeking to collaborate with Regional Development Australia-Northern Rivers (RDA-NR) on "independent research on the economic impacts of coal seam gas mining on the Northern Rivers, including its impact on existing industries like tourism".
This was promoted by an economic impact report released this week by Metgasco that estimates there would be a $1.4 billion "direct expenditure" benefit to the Northern Rivers over 20 years from the company's mining operations.
Northern Rivers Echo
No comments:
Post a Comment