metgasco chief fires back , page-17

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I agree with your last sentence wholeheartedly.

Three years ago when Mel were just starting to find
their feet,the local population were dubious about
Mel's future in the CSG industry.Like many rural
communities,there is an unwillingness to change,
alter beliefs and adapt to new ideas.However,times
have changed with 'new blood' invigorating Casino's
way of thinking, to the point where most folk are now
very supportive of Mel's presence in town.

However,you can draw a line across Parrots Nest Hill
[half way between Casino and Lismore]..from the Wok
[lismore] to the coast the 'attitude' toward CSG and
all those who support it...changes dramatically.

The main antagonists locally are a group called Bsane,
who work in conjunction with Lock the Gate.Bsane have
'stirred' up the latte' set in Byron and have launched
a CD using local singers [one is my masseuse'] with
anti-CSG songs.Bsane are also doing 'talks' in local
schools.Their National Day of Action against CSG is
set for Oct/16 and are coordinating groups across the
country for the 'event' at Byron.

In the meantime, Bsane are quoting that there are 600
toxic chemicals pumped into the coal seam during the
fracking process.Dr Marianne Lloyd Smith from the
National Toxic Network has identified 33 chemicals
so far, on and on ....

This coming demonstration is reminiscent of Bob Brown's
Franklin River Campaign in Western Tasmania during the
80's.Nearly three decades later Bob Brown is still waving
the 'wilderness' flag between his ears and expects the
rest of us to sit under gum trees and experience an
ascetic ascendency with him and let this country slide
back to, ....who knows what!

There has to be a balance reached between 'perceived'
plunder and conversation,so that future generations
can learn and profit from these debates.

Brown and his cohorts won the Franklin River saga,from
a small shack at Liffey in the middle of nowhere and
none of us should be be too complacent.Bob Brown now
holds the balance of power in Canberra.Peter Henderson
would know Brown's story and after listening to Peter
speak last Thursday he is 'the man' to nurture Mel
into a major player.Colleagues on the Coraki road who
have up to six wells on their properties, cannot speak
highly enough about Metgasco's attitude toward them.

These are the farmers that should have their opinions
aired and Mel should promote their experiences with
the company,in a full page counter attack on Oct/15 in
the Weeekend Star Newspaper,the day before Byron's big
misinformation day.



HM.