gasino

So I drove from Grafton to Beaudesert yesterday. On the way, I checked out a couple of the Corella wells in Casino. Photos here for anyone who's interested:

http://s825.photobucket.com/albums/zz176/pokpok23/Corella/

First couple of photos are of a well that's a tad north of Casino (not flared) and the third photo is of a well about 10kms down Sextonville Rd in Casino (flared).

I was lucky enough to meet two very friendly council workers who had stopped outside the Sextonville Rd well for their smoko. Chatted with them for about 30 minutes. I asked them about general community sentiment re MEL. They basically said all is well. They were aware of the anti-gas groundswell building but said it was mainly coming from those in the Kyogle area 'of the alternative lifestyle'. Their words. They were impressed that MEL holds regular information evenings, although they hadn't been to one yet. One of them said he'd better go check one out. They were aware of a few wells around the place but said they're fine with it all as long as the industry stays properly regulated. They were very impressed at the low impact nature of the wells.

They said they have to go around and clean up the mess the local action group makes once in a while. The group recently sprayed 'Beef or Gas' on the roads and changed the sign into town from Casino to Gasino.

The two guys said they and their mates are very positive about MEL. They like the idea about the jobs the proposed power station will provide. They were also surprisingly up to speed with Gasland, aquifer contamination issues, etc and said they think it's just a bit of hysteria. They also proudly mentioned that MEL was sponsoring part of Beef Week, which is on at the moment. They like MEL's community involvement.

Casino is a very nice, prosperous town with a great feel to it. To the north, Kyogle (where a lot of the noise is coming from) is like the poor cousin. There's a noticeably 'down' feel to the place. Saw a few people 'of the alternative lifestyle' hanging around the main street. Might have something to do with Nimbin being 30kms east of Kyogle.

For those who are unfamiliar with Nimbin, enjoy their local news:

http://www.nimbingoodtimes.com/

From Grafton to Beauy, I only saw one small 'Lock the Gate' sign on someone's letterbox just south of Kyogle. No obvious anti-gas sentiment.

Hope this helps.