Survey finds little support for CSG in Richmond Valley
Metgasco's claims of strong support for coal seam gas in and around Casino are being questioned.
An election-day survey of more than 600 voters in the Richmond Valley shows the majority are opposed to the coal seam gas industry.
The study, by researchers at the Southern Cross University, found 65 per cent of those surveyed were against the industry, while 17 per cent were undecided.
PhD candidate Hanabeth Luke says just 18 per cent indicated their support.
"There was a huge amount of variation across the booths," she said.
"We had the strongest 'yes' vote at Casino West Public, but very close by at Casino High School the strongest 'no' with 80 per cent.
"So it's varied enormously even within Casino.
"That is indeed where the more active exploration licences are taking place, (there has) already been a fair amount of exploration by Metgasco and there's also been provision of jobs there.
"Whereas in Lismore it's more opposition to what would be coming, in the Richmond Valley is something that they've already experienced.
"So that's why it is particularly interesting."
A smaller survey conducted in Lismore on the same day found 85 per cent of people surveyed opposed to CSG.
The managing director of Metgasco remains confident the company can win broad community support.
A survey of more than six hundred voters in the Richmond Valley will be released this week, and shows a majority opposed to the coal seam gas industry.
The study, by researchers at the Southern Cross University, found 65 per cent of those surveyed were against the industry, while 17 per cent were undecided.
But Metgasco's Peter Henderson says that can change.
"How many people who, if presented with the data to show that the industry is safer, would say yes to it?" he said.
"Now the reason the government has regulations is in fact to provide that certainty, and again we believe that when people properly understand the industry we will have their full support."
Mr Henderson touched on the issue of community support at this week's East Coast Gas Outlook conference in Sydney, citing a Richmond Valley Council survey which found that 70 per cent of the community were somewhat supportive, supportive or very supportive of the following position: "If the Coal Seam Gas industry in the Richmond valley resulted in increased employment; economic welfare for the region and was appropriately regulated and proven to be environmentally safe, how supportive would you be of Richmond Valley Council working with CSG stakeholders and regulators to ensure the community benefit from this industry? "
Local opponents and supporters of coal seam gas will state their case to the Federal Industry Minister today.
Page MP Kevin Hogan has organised for activists and Metgasco representatives to meet with Ian Macfarlane in Canberra this afternoon.
The minister has spoken out strongly in support of the industry, saying it would be a priority of the new Federal Government.
But Mr Hogan says he's already told the party room about the concerns held by some north coast residents.
"My opinion is that I have reservations on the industry for our area, not necessarily across the whole country, I mean every area is different," he said.
"But I've certainly been saying that whether it be around air, water or the industrialisation that it brings, I think the community has reservations and so do I."
Meanwhile, north coast National Party MPs are under pressure to speak out when a petition against coal seam gas is debated in the State Parliament next week.
A document calling for the region to remain CSG-free was circulated by federal Labor politicians in the area.
Richmond MP Justine Elliot says more than 12,000 signatures were collected.
She says the Nationals could pay a political price if they duck the issue.
"We're going to keep the pressure on them," Ms Elliot said.
"It's now 18 months to the next state election and I can assure you people in this community will keep taking the fight up to them until they start listening to locals and their concerns about coal seam gas mining."
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