Tuesday, August 21

Residents blockade coal seam gas site

More than 30 local residents have set up a blockade at the site of Dart Energy's proposed coal seam gas drilling site at Fullerton Cove, north of Newcastle.

The company recently gained State and Federal Government approval to drill several pilot wells in the area, raising concerns about the impact on water supplies and the nearby RAMSAR-listed wetlands.

The issue is currently before the Land and Environment court.

Drew Hutton from the Lock the Gate Alliance says it is a fragile environmental site and locals want to protect it.

"We will be staying until the drill rigs go away," he said.

"We are staying to DART Energy this is not the appropriate place to be putting a coal seam gas field.

"This is a highly water intensive area, this is wetlands, there is a lot of water in the area.

"There's very fragile environment around here which is just not suitable for highly intensive and high impact industry like gas."

Mr Hutton says the blockade will prevent any trucks or drill rigs entering the site.


ABC News

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