10,000 strong petition says

Greens MP Jamie Parker lodged a petition of over 10,000 signatures calling for the Northern Rivers region to be declared a coal seam gas, tight sands gas and unconventional gas mining free zone and for current licenses be revoked and no new licenses be granted.

The petition:

“Brings to the attention of the House that the Northern Rivers region has been widely documented as a place of high biological diversity on the Australian continent. That the biodiversity of the Northern Rivers region is of international significance, but faces many serious threats to its continued existence and health. The Northern Rivers region is also home to several major river systems, each providing essential feeding and breeding habitat for a wide range of species, including migratory birds and valuable commercial fisheries. The high rainfall and fertile soils that characterize much of the Northern Rivers region support thriving and diverse agricultural industries, including beef and dairy cattle, varied food crops, horticulture, and timber plantations.

"We believe that the biodiversity, water resources, and agricultural and sustainable industries, as well as the livelihoods and well-being of the people of the Northern Rivers region, are directly threatened by the impacts of the exploration and extraction of coal seam gas and other forms of unconventional gas, including tight sands gas. The growing body of evidence worldwide suggests the production of unconventional gas will leave a polluted legacy in the soil, water and natural environment and will create public health problems of unprecedented proportions. We the residents of the Northern Rivers region are best placed to protect this area now and for future generations.

"The undersigned petitioners therefore ask the Legislative Assembly to determine and declare that the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, encompassing all river catchments, in their entirety, from the Clarence River to the Tweed, be current licenses and or leases that allow any such activity be revoked and no such new licenses or leases be granted."

Full petition wording available here:

Media contact: Alison Martin – 9660 7586 or 0432 941 533

May 02, 2013 at 12pm

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FERRIES AT ANNANDALE AND WEST BALMAIN

Imagine hopping on a ferry at Annandale or West Balmain and being in the heart of the city within minutes.

In 2020, we won the campaign for a Glebe ferry. Now, we have the opportunity to connect more of our area to the ferry network. New ferries at Annandale and West Balmain will provide a faster, smarter route into the city without adding to the traffic on our roads.

Both Labor and the Liberals want to build more polluting and destructive tollways across Sydney. But we have costed a comprehensive plan for a world-class public transport system that makes getting around our city fast and easy.

Dear Transport Minister,

New inner west ferry services would provide efficient, fast and environmentally sound travel to and from the area for workers, tourists, students, pensioners and the general public.

I therefore ask that the Government build on the success of the Blackwattle Bay ferry and establish a ferry service at Rozelle Bay for the Annandale area and reinstate the ferry at West Balmain.

6,056 SIGNATURES

6,000