Council opposes coal seam gas mining

The new Gosford Council has declared its opposition to coal seam gas (CSG) exploration and mining anywhere in the municipality in its first meeting since the elections.

The motion was submitted by Greens Cr Hillary Morris who said she was concerned with the "massive increase in CSG mining currently being experienced in Australia".

Liberal councillors Jeff Strickson, Bob Ward and Chris Burke said they were unhappy with the resolution and subsequently voted against the decision, following a failed amendment seeking a report once the NSW Government had completed a study expected to take two years.

Council resolved write to the Premier informing him of Council's position and seeking a ban on coal seam gas mining and exploration on the Central Coast.

Council will also write to local members of parliament on the Central Coast to seek their support on Council's position.

Minister for Resources and Energy Mr Chris Hartcher will be urged to give Council notice if any exploration licence is granted or extended, or if permission is intended to be granted for exploratory drilling or drilling.

Cr Morris' motion stated that coal seam gas mining posed unacceptable risks to water catchments, groundwater, agricultural industries, natural environment and human health and was currently being driven by a demand for the gas in China and India.

Cr Vicki Scott said it was often the case that the land most valuable to farmers was often "the most fertile for CSG".

"It is really important to stand by our community; we want the community to be heard," said Ms Scott.

Liberal councillor Deanna Bocking abstained from the vote when a division was called.

Gosford Council Agenda NM.17, 2 Oct 2012

Kaitlin Watts, 2 Oct 2012