Thousands rally against CSG and irresponsible mining

Around 200 people from the Illawarra – many wearing our iconic Stop CSG tshirts and bearing placards – joined thousands of others from across NSW on May 1 for the Protect our Land and Water rally.

Organisers estimated 8,000 people were present at the huge rally that marched on NSW Parliament House in Sydney’s Macquarie Street (an astounding turnout for a weekday). The rally was a protest against the NSW Government’s draft Strategic Regional Land Use Plans.

Our members from Stop CSG Illawarra were joined by numerous other Lock The Gate affiliates from across the state too. The action was inspiring and powerful. It sent a clear message to the O’Farrell government that the draft plans regarding land use are a betrayal of their election promise to protect water, agriculture and the environment from CSG. When city and country unite in such spectacular fashion, it’s impossible to ignore.

Congratulations to the NSW Farmers Federation for organising the rally and to everyone who attended.

If you missed the rally, or if you were there, you won’t want to miss this brilliant video of the day:

Illawarra community speaks again: Stop Coal Seam Gas!

Over 500 people attended the Coal Seam Gas Community Conference on Sunday 25 March 2012, held in Wollongong Town Hall.

Conference Opening

The day started with a Welcome to Country by Mark Bloxsome and Lyle Davis, both Yuin men. Mark described coal seam gas as the greatest environmental challenge we’ve seen for years because ‘water is the source of all life’. Wollongong Lord Mayor, Gordon Bradbery, then welcomed everyone to the city’s Town Hall, which council provided free of charge for the event. Gordon noted Wollongong Council’s strong support for the campaign including their motion to urge the NSW government to rule out CSG mining in the region’s water catchments.

Keynote Speakers

Attendees then heard from keynote speakers Jess Moore, Stop CSG Illawarra (SCSGI) spokesperson; Steven Pells, hydrologist and hydrogeologist; and Mark Ogge, strategic director of Beyond Zero Emissions. Jess explained the general risks of coal seam gas extraction and SCSGI’s demands for an immediate moratorium on the industry until the outcome of a Royal Commission, and a ban on fracking. Steven explained how the depressurisation of coal seams, which is inherent to CSG mining, can impact negatively on water systems. Mark provided an overview of the expansion of the CSG industry, and explained that, largely due to fugitive methane emissions, gas cannot be considered as a ‘clean energy’ alternative. He also explained the damaging impact the mining boom is having on other economic sectors, particularly manufacturing, tourism, education and agriculture.

Jess Moore then reported on the achievements of the community campaign to stop CSG. These include the NSW government’s promises to ban BTEX chemicals from the drilling process and to ban evaporation ponds, and the NSW ALP’s policy change to now support an immediate moratorium on all CSG exploration projects in the state. While inadequate, these achievements reflect the strength of the growing campaign, explained Jess.

Afternoon workshops

After a lunch break, a number of workshops were held to transfer information to attendees looking to learn more about CSG mining, as well as build confidence and skills that increase the capacity of our campaign. The workshop ‘Community blockading: know your rights’, was attended by over 100 people. Other workshops, ‘CSG 101′, ‘The CSG sign walk: how to build the campaign’s profile’ and ‘Building the campaign in your local area’ were also popular, with many people signing up to get more involved.

Campaign update and resolutions

In the afternoon, participants gathered to discuss the next steps for SCSGI. After a campaign update and lively discussion, the following resolutions were voted on unanimously by the conference:

That Stop CSG Illawarra:

• Strongly promote the April 14 fundraiser Rock to Stop CSG;
• Mobilise our supporters for the May 1 rally outside NSW Parliament House, spearheaded by the farmers, to oppose the government’s draft Strategic Regional Land Use Policy;
• Maintains our existing suburban organising and expands our reach into new areas with letterboxing, doorknocking, community stalls, film screenings etc;
• Considers options for our next major local action, including the possibility of participating in the Lock The Gate national day of action, in September 2012;
• Calls on the University of Wollongong to declare publicly on its website any research it’s carrying out on behalf of the CSG industry;
• Pursues using the inspiring ‘Walk for Water’ video as a community service announcement on TV;
• Calls on national and state funding bodies to fund more research into the mental and physical well being impacts of the CSG industry.

Council and parliamentary attendees

Several elected members of local council and parliament were present including Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery; Wollongong City Councilors Greg Petty, George Takacs and Jill Merrin; member for Keira Ryan Park; member for Throsby Stephen Jones, member for Hughes Craig Kelly, and member for Cunningham Sharon Bird. Also present were representatives on behalf of member for Heathcote Lee Evans and Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.

CSG poster competition

There were six winners declared in the CSG poster competition, all of whom will be sent Stop CSG tshirts or other prizes. Thank you to all entrants!

A community united

Participants, who were also treated to inspiring video presentations throughout the day, made it very clear that this community is committed to escalating the campaign to stop CSG. It was felt that, in light of the NSW government’s relentless ongoing support for the CSG industry, this community will do what it takes to defend our water, health and environment. When communities work together and act together, there’s nothing more powerful.

Thank you to all the SCSGI volunteers who ensured the conference ran smoothly and professionally. And a HUGE thank you to all the community participants: your attendance ensured the conference was yet another important mark in our campaign to STOP CSG.

For more great images of the day, check out SCSGI members’ Jaime Plaza’s photos and Michael O’Brien’s photos of the conference. Coverage from WIN TV below.

In the morning a motion was put to the NSW Upper House by Jeremy Buckingham of the Greens – to place a moratorium on all coal seam gas (CSG) projects in the state, other than the Camden production field. It was lost 16-19, with the Coalition, Shooters and Fishers and Christian Democrats against; and Labor and The Greens in favour.

In the afternoon it was the turn of our petition, YOUR petition, to be debated. Over 20,000 signed, calling on the Government to put in place an immediate moratorium on all CSG projects; a royal commission into the full impacts of CSG; and an immediate ban on fracking. Gareth Ward and Lee Evans spoke against, and Ryan Park and John Robertson spoke in favour. You can view the “debate” video (including its descent into chaos) in full online.

In both Houses Coalition members showed absolute contempt for the people of NSW. The Coalition called a moratorium irresponsible, saying that the Government must wait for more facts. But it is completely irresponsible to develop an industry before getting the facts.

Gareth Ward spoke against the petition – defending Coalition plans as adequate. Lee Evans spoke against the petition, then admitted to signing it. But he can’t have it both ways. He either stands with his community, and the 74% of people in NSW who support the call for a moratorium, or he tows the Coalition line and acts on behalf of the CSG industry. Yesterday, he chose the latter.

Actions speak louder than words. The Liberals opposed the petition. The Coalition voted down a moratorium. Barry O’Farrell did not even show up. CSG wells are being drilled in our drinking water catchment and the Government is not stopping it.

Yesterday, the vital role of community campaigns could not have been clearer. The Government is failing to act for the people of NSW; so we must. As the Coalition scrambles to defend the indefensible, we must launch a people’s moratorium and lock the industry out of our communities.

See you at the CSG Community Conference on Sunday March 25.

Today was the day that the petition was put before parliament. Your premier, Barry O’Farrell, did not even turn up. The resulting so-called “debate” you can witness here in full shows the contempt that so many of our politicians have for genuine public concern… for YOUR opinion. Dysfunctional doesn’t begin to describe it…

Yet again, we find ourselves asking the question “just who does the NSW Government work for?”…

The film takes a look at the devastating impact coal seam gas mining has on water resources and communities across the United States. It’s a must see for anyone wishing to understand the development of this dangerous, untested industry that’s now under our noses right here in the Illawarra.

If you would like to organise a local screening of Gasland – or another Stop CSG related film – please contact Shirley on 0425 365 779.

It’s a disaster and a broken election promise.

Quite simply, the Government has ignored the Illawarra and failed to protect drinking water catchments from the risks posed by CSG.

The community has waited a long time for Barry O’Farrell to take action and protect water, health, agriculture and the environment. These plans do not do this. In fact, they facilitate ongoing development of the industry.

Despite a promise to rule out sensitive areas, no areas are off limits to CSG under the new plans; every part of NSW is still up for grabs.

While the plans add a new assessment panel to the approval process for CSG mining on farmland, wineries and horse studs, our water catchments – astoundingly – don’t even get a mention.

Drilling and fracking are still allowed in NSW water catchments under the new plans; and approvals can still be granted without an independent scientific assessment. So, the Illawarra project can continue unimpeded, despite enormous public opposition.

The fact remains: water resources are at risk and the Government is not stopping it. There is now more than enough evidence that CSG mining brings risks. The contamination of water systems and supplies and farmland show the need for an immediate moratorium on all CSG projects and a royal commission into the full impacts of the industry.

Ironically, the NSW government site invites you to Have your say regarding this policy. They go on to explain in the FAQ how new guidelines are in place to “Ensure the community is heard” and require “Evidence that effective community consultation has been undertaken”.

We ask, to what end? How much louder do we have to get before we are heard? It is nothing but lip-service and an insult. To all of us. Each and every one of the thousands who have gathered on the beach, walked in protest and signed petitions.

Don’t just get mad. Get involved.

Grab your tickets online now at Moshtix!

What are you waiting for?!

• Buy your tickets online now!
• Download a poster to print yourself
• Connect on the Facebook Event and check out the details for each session
• Got questions? Call Donna on 0428 416 926 or 0401 253 801

See you on the 14th!

Rally outside parliament at 4pm and have your voice heard in this crucial debate! Please register on the Facebook Event and share it with others.

We are horrified to hear that drilling has started. This is step one of a project that risks the drinking water of people supplied by Warragamba Dam.

There is now more than enough evidence that CSG mining brings risk, and the contamination of water and soil in New South Wales and Queensland show the need for an immediate moratorium on all CSG projects and a royal commission into the full impacts of the industry.

74% of people in NSW support a moratorium on CSG mining until more is known about the health and environmental impacts. Just how much clearer does it have to get? It’s an outrage that water resources are at risk and the Government is not stopping it. They’re simply not listening to the people of NSW.

The previous NSW Government approved the new well under the Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) 454, which Apex controls and Ormil has a 50% interest in. These are the same two companies with an agreement to work PEL 442 and PEL 444 in the Illawarra.

The Illawarra community has – so far – halted the plan to develop a gas field here. But we are concerned that Apex and Ormil have shifted their focus west; to another community, another part of the catchment, and a project they may feel will be subject to less public scrutiny.

At the Stop CSG Illawarra meeting on Sunday Feb 19, it was voted unanimously to assist action taken by Oakdale residents to stop the drilling. Communities need to work together in the face of a state government that still supports a ‘drill now ask questions later’ approach.

This campaign kicked off in the context of broad public opposition to the industry: an August 2011 Galaxy poll found that 68% of Australians support a moratorium on CSG mining until more is known about the health and environmental impacts.

In an APPEA media release, chief operating officer for eastern Australia, Rick Wilkinson, said the “We Want CSG” campaign was meant to counter “the loudest voices in Australia’s energy debate” by giving “the facts — not myths — about CSG, the industry’s operations, and the critical role gas can play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions”.

Some of these “facts” — put forward in the campaign’s new television ads — are examined below.

Claim: “This is a coal seam gas well. It takes up less land than half a tennis court.”

The impact of unconventional gas well heads on the landscape

The problem with this claim is what the ad fails to mention: that CSG mining takes far more than a well.

A CSG production field has a large above-ground footprint. It needs a wellhead every 300 to 900 metres. Each well requires at least one, and up to four hectares, of cleared land for the drilling pad, pumps, generators, compressors, vehicles and a storage pond or tank to hold waste water.

Further land clearing may take place for the construction of gas pipelines, firebreaks and access roads capable of handling heavy vehicles and equipment.

Half a tennis court might sound harmless, but CSG production means industrial development. None of the ads inform the public of this fact.

Claim: “Without CSG NSW will have to rely heavily on black coal for its electricity supply.”

The source APPEA give for this “fact” is The Australian newspaper on January 9 this year.

Astoundingly, the article simply includes a quote from an unnamed spokesperson for Santos — a CSG mining and exploration company — making this claim. Of course, that someone in the CSG industry said something to a newspaper does not make it a “fact”.

More importantly, in this case, it’s untrue. Failure to develop the CSG industry does not force the use of black coal to generate electricity. Renewable energy could replace the development of CSG and new and existing coal-fired power.

Research by Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) and the University of Melbourne Energy Research Institute shows Australia could meet all its electricity needs from 100% renewable sources within a decade, using commercially available technologies.

Claim: “Wholesale electricity prices will be 11% higher without more CSG in NSW.”

This statement comes from an APPEA-funded report by ACIL Tasman. All of the scenarios it compares assume that electricity generation in NSW will mostly come from coal or gas in 2030.

It does not model electricity prices under a large-scale transition to renewables. Indeed, the baseline scenario used suggests that renewables will account for only 6% of NSW energy output in 2030. This is despite the fact that in 2010 renewables accounted for more than 19% of global energy production.

The current overall cost per unit of energy produced by wind power is similar to the cost for new coal and natural gas installations, says the US government’s Energy Information Administration. Also, although renewables are more expensive to build, solar, wind and hydro energy have no ongoing fuel costs.

Claim: “CSG could provide millions of dollars each year in royalties to NSW.”

“Could” is the operative weasel word here. As it stands, the CSG industry in NSW enjoys a royalty holiday for the first five years of production.

Claim: “The natural gas extracted is up to 70% cleaner than coal for electricity.”

The reference for this claim is a study by WorleyParsons, also commissioned by APPEA.

What the ad fails to mention is that this same study looked at a range of scenarios. WorleyParsons also found that when CSG is burnt in old gas plants — common in Australia — emissions are up to 44% higher than burning coal in new coal plants.

The research has also been widely criticised, particularly as the study models best-practice scenarios rather than real operating practice, and because most of the data is industry funded, old or based on different extraction practices.

Also, it rules out the possibility of large or ongoing methane leaks from CSG wells and does not include Australian data on escaped methane from CSG.

But CSG extraction results in big fugitive methane emissions. Methane is a highly flammable and potent greenhouse gas that warms the atmosphere at 105 times the rate of CO2, over a 20-year period. These emissions come from leaking pipelines, wellheads and processing plants. It also escapes from mining waste water and underground systems.

Researchers from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said air sampling of gas fields in Colorado showed leakage rates of 4% on average, and up to 7.7%. This is far greater than the rates assumed by WorleyParsons, the CSG industry and the Australian government.

A 2011 study by Tom Wigley of the Center for Atmospheric Research concluded: “Unless leakage rates for new methane can be kept below 2%, substituting gas for coal is not an effective means for reducing the magnitude of future climate change.”

A BZE study into lifecycle emissions from gas sources in Australia suggests that a switch to CSG may do nothing or be counterproductive for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

BZE executive director Matthew Wright told the October 8, 2011, Sydney Morning Herald that CSG — after conversion to liquefied natural gas — is likely to prove, at best, slightly cleaner than new coal, and possibly worse.

Paul from Stop CSG Sydney has created a great reply to the CSG Industry Ad… check it out: