JT and others this is just off the ABC Interesting thing is if...

JT and others
this is just off the ABC

Interesting thing is if you go to the link and read the story you will see it contains a photo so shocking I can't include it in this grab. It has a reference to ESG but refers to the hunter Valley.

Expert says coal seam gas mining and farming can co-exist
Updated May 16, 2011 11:07:00

The expansion of coal mining has long been a concern for the Hunter's farmers and thoroughbred breeders. (Eastern Star Gas)
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An Associate Professor at the University of Queensland says agricultural industries can co-exist with mining in the Hunter Valley, if appropriate policies are put in place.
Doctor Peter Dart is hosting a forum on the environmental impacts of coal seam gas and coal mining in Sydney tonight.
Concerns have been raised that coal seam gas exploration could contaminate local aquifers, while the expansion of coal mining has long been a concern for farmers and thoroughbred breeders.
Mr Dart says a land use evaluation needs to be carried out as the first step.
"Now land use evaluation needs to assess the quality of the land so that where existing industries using the land can do so into the future," he said.
"And it's very high quality that this is recognised as land that is not to be alienated for mining."
Mr Dart says the NSW Government can restrict environmental impacts from coal seam gas drilling, but it will require tough legislation.
He says drilling techniques can be modified to reduce the risk of contamination, but it is a lot more expensive.
"The well can be bent as it is drilled and this happens in the United states," he said.
"The mining companies don't want to do this of course, because it's more costly.
"But that's one way which the amenity value of the land to the farmer and community can be protected in some way."



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Cheers Mattocks