Oakeshott wants priority assessment for Gloucester

Independent Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott has called for a scientific study on the impact of coal-seam gas mining on the Gloucester Valley’s water resources.

Mr Oakeshott, who with New England MP Tony Windsor, secured tighter regulation of coal-seam gas mining during negotiations last November on the mining tax, has written to the federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, requesting priority research status for Gloucester.

“An Interim Expert Scientific Committee on Coal-seam Gas and Coal Mining has been established, which will provide state and territory governments with the opportunity to seek advice on coal-seam gas and coal mining developments in the lead-up to a formal arrangement being agreed to by COAG in February,” Mr Oakeshott said.

“The interim committee is an early opportunity to have Gloucester considered a priority area for scientific research, particularly because of the community’s heightened concerns about the potential impact of mining activities on local water resources.

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Gloucestor Advocate