News from GRIP http://grip.org.au/ Gloucester Residents in Partnership Sat, 25 May 2013 20:24 +1100 en GRIP working with Gloucester Shire Council http://grip.org.au/news/display/222 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/222 The GRIP Committee GRL SEEKS APPROVAL TO INVEST $150 MILLION IN ROCKY HILL COAL PROJECT http://grip.org.au/news/display/221 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:48 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/221 The GRIP Committee A public meeting held in Gloucester discussed AGLs report into gas exploration in the area. It is like a tightrope walk - balancing the interests of big business versus concerns of local people who just want to ensure the environment is protected. Particularly the precious resource of water. You may have been following the Barrington Gloucester Stroud Preservation Alliances blockade last year in response to proposed AGL coal seam gas exploration in their area. http://bit.ly/Ai7pFX Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:48 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/220 ABC Mid North Coast NSW A Hunter Valley doctor says reports which show higher mortality rates for several diseases in coal mining areas cannot be ignored. Doctor Graeme Horton is attending a "Paddock to Port" community forum in Newcastle tonight and plans to raise concerns about the impact the rapid expansion of coal mining in the region. Itll also address the likely impacts on residents of a proposal fourth coal export terminal in the Port of Newcastle. Doctor Horton says the latest research out of the United States is worrying. http://bit.ly/y7UBVZ Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/217 ABC Newcastle As part of its public awareness campaign relating to the proposed AGL Coal Seam Gas Project the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance will hold a public forum tonight at Gloucester Soldiers Club Auditorium at 7pm. The Alliance has invited Professor Philip Pells to speak about the impact of coal seam gas mining on ground water and surface water as it relates to the Gloucester Basin. As the name says Preservation has been the primary aim of the Alliance since its foundation said Mr E B Phillips, spokesman for the Alliances CSG Strategy Group. We want to ensure that the environment of the Gloucester Region as we know it is not seriously compromised by developments that are allowed to proceed without proper research as to the effects that will occur having been completed before actual development is set in motion. http://bit.ly/yhLVOL Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/215 Gloucester Advocate AGL has publicly released its report investigating groundwater and surface water conditions within the Stage 1 Gas Field Development Area in Gloucester. AGL said it was delivering on its promise to the community. The report will now be independently peer reviewed to test the veracity of the studies and the conclusions by a person nominated by the Gloucester Community Consultative Committee. The report has been compiled following 12 months of data collection and was designed to help the community better understand the groundwater in the project area and what affects, if any, there might be on the groundwater from natural gas exploration. It has involved geological appraisals, drilling, permeability testing, water level monitoring, water quality sampling, isotope studies, data collation, analysis and reporting. http://bit.ly/wuN5Th Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/219 Gloucester Advocate Gloucester Shire Council is expected for formally oppose plans by Gloucester Resources Limited (GRL) to open a mine near Gloucester. GRL lodged an application last week for Director-Generals Requirements with the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure to operate what the company describes as a small, modern, open cut mine near Gloucester. In a statement released by the company it said the application starts an extensive period of review and consultation which will include environmental and social impact assessments. Gloucester Shire Council mayor Geoff Slack said he was extremely disappointed by the Gloucester Resources application which has been lodged so soon after the Gloucester community expressed its concerns to the Minister for Minerals and Energy about mining in scenic protection zones and close to Gloucester township. http://bit.ly/zhfnXy Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/216 Gloucester Advocate The Barrington Gloucester Stroud Preservation Alliance is continuing its fight against coal seam gas mining, inviting a hydrogeologist to address a community forum. Professor Philip Pells will explain the impact on water resources in Gloucester if AGL goes ahead with its plan for 110 wells. The Alliance led a community blockade in December last year, calling for the company to conduct a fully independent water study. However, AGL is standing by its own internal study. Professor Pells will address interested stakeholders at the Gloucester Soldiers Club tomorrow night at seven. http://bit.ly/A5SMe3 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:39 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/218 NBN News INDEPENDENT Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott has called for a scientific study on the impact of coal-seam gas mining on the Gloucester Valleys water resources. Mr Oakeshott, who with New England MP Tony Windsor, secured tighter regulation of coal-seam gas mining during negotiations last November on the mining tax, has written to the federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, requesting priority research status for Gloucester. An Interim Expert Scientific Committee on Coal-seam Gas and Coal Mining has been established, which will provide state and territory governments with the opportunity to seek advice on coal-seam gas and coal mining developments in the lead-up to a formal arrangement being agreed to by COAG in February, Mr Oakeshott said. http://bit.ly/zRvf9I Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/214 Rob Oakeshott Parts of the Hunter are on the brink of civil war with neighbours turning on each other as the coal seam gas debate intensifies. The Newcastle Herald has learnt of cases where farmers participating in gas exploration have suffered malicious property damage and trespass. Others report children being bullied at school. Police said yesterday that any unlawful behaviour arising from gas protests would not be tolerated. The Herald spoke to several landholders participating in gas exploration. All but one did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals. http://bit.ly/z6dz8u Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/213 Matthew Kelly (The Herald) AGL has been attacked by coal seam gas protestors. A meeting to address water concerns came to halt when three community representatives staged a walkout. http://bit.ly/ygQMuT Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:09 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/212 Prime 7 News Local environmentalists walked out of a meeting in Gloucester on Thursday saying that the process has been rushed and citing issues with AGLs water studies, which they say is flawed. In December last year, a group of protesters set up a blockade at the drill site for a proposed coal seam gas well in Gloucester. At the time, AGL came to an agreement with the protesters that included a review of its water studies. http://bit.ly/wzYRam Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:35 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/211 ABC Mid North Coast A stand-off between AGL and Gloucester residents is continuing, with community members walking out of a meeting with the companys executives. Protesters were successful last month in getting AGL to defer its coal seam gas exploration program until the Land and Environment Court rules on a challenge to its extraction approvals. http://bit.ly/xX0G1I Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:05 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/199 ABC Newcastle Negotiations meant to help clear the way for AGL to resume its coal seam gas exploration in the Gloucester Basin ended in a walkout protest yesterday. Company and community representatives of AGLs Gloucester Gas Projects community consultative committee met in Gloucester to select an expert to review the companys water studies for the project. But three committee members, residents who took part in a blockade last month that halted AGLs pilot well drilling, walked out. The blockade was organised by the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance, represented on the committee by former Gloucester councillor John Dugas. http://bit.ly/Ar4tzd Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/198 Frances Thompson (The Herald) Negotiations today over the future of coal seam gas explorer AGLs Gloucester Gas Project will spark protester opposition. The projects community consultative committee is scheduled to meet company representatives today to discuss a promised review of AGLs water studies. The review was agreed to by AGL after the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance blockaded an access road and halted operations at a site south of Gloucester for two weeks in December. http://bit.ly/vZX6DK Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/201 Frances Thompson (The Herald) TALKS between residents and coal seam gas explorer AGL are scheduled for 1pm in Gloucester today. Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance chairman Graeme Healy said the group and AGL representatives would discuss the companys offer to appoint an expert to review its water studies of the Gloucester Gas Project. The peer reviewer is scheduled to be chosen by the Gloucester Gas Projects community consultative committee, which meets in Gloucester tomorrow. http://bit.ly/zXEEnA Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:27 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/200 Frances Thompson (The Herald) Gloucester Coal Ltd chairman James MacKenzie has assured investors that the groups board is taking appropriate caution before making its final decision on Yanzhou Coal Mining Companys $8 billion merger offer, according to The Australian Financial Review. http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Gloucester-to-take-time-with-merger-pd20120103-Q5SJR?OpenDocument Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:20 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/210 Business Spectator GLOUCESTER Coal shareholders may have gained the impression that the downside protection mechanism included in the proposed Yancoal Australia merger will remain for at least 18 months after the transaction is completed, but thats not necessarily the case. Its possible it will be available for only three weeks, or it may be around for up to 3 1/2 years. It all depends on market response. http://tinyurl.com/bry4sop Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/209 Bryan Frith (The Australian) GLOUCESTER COAL shareholders reacted cautiously to the details of the long-awaited takeover from Chinas Yanzhou Coal Mining, the shares closing at a large discount to the value now attached to them. Yanzhou launched the bid for Gloucester yesterday, valuing the shares at $10.16, putting a $2.2 billion price tag on the entire company. http://www.smh.com.au/business/investors-react-warily-to-22b-gloucester-bid-20111223-1p8ie.html Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/208 Brian Robins (SMH) Chinese-owned company Yancoal Australia has announced plans to merge with Australian miner Gloucester Coal in a deal worth $2.1 billion. The move will create a new listed company on the Australian share market. Yancoal, which is the wholly owned Australian subsidiary of Yanzhou Coal Mining, will control 77 per cent of the new company. Gloucester Coal has mines in New South Wales and Queensland. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-23/gloucester-yancoal-merger/3745434?section=business Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:47 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/207 ABC News Gloucester Coal is poised to make an announcement about a potential takeover. Gloucester shares have been in a trading halt since Tuesday, and were suspended this morning at the request of the company. The request was made "in connection with the potential merger proposal", the company said. http://www.smh.com.au/business/gloucester-set-to-announce-takeover-20111222-1p66x.html Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:36 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/206 AAP via SMH CHINESE interest in Hunter coal assets continues with Yancoal looking at an $8billion tie-up with Gloucester Coal. The probable takeover of Gloucester by Yancoal has been generally viewed as logical by market analysts but Gloucester area residents are less sure, with some fearing further environmental damage. Gloucester is already controlled by Hong Kong-based Noble Resources but Yancoals Chinese backing means the deal will probably need federal approval through the Foreign Investment Review Board. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/chinese-takeover-of-gloucester-coal-mine-logical/2399566.aspx Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/205 Ian Kirkwood (The Herald) China as proposed a merger, which could be completed as early as this week, between Yancoal Australia and Gloucester Coal Ltd that would be worth some $8 billion and create Australias largest independent coal producer, according to a report by the Australian Financial Review. http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Chinese-make-bid-for-Gloucester-report-pd20111219-PPNBV?OpenDocument Tue, 20 Dec 2011 04:36 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/204 Business Spectator PROTESTERS will pack up camp and celebrate a small victory on Saturday night with AGL Energy "mothballing" plans to drill coal seam gas (CSG) wells south of Gloucester. Access to the site has been blockaded for the past 12 days by landholders who have been demanding that AGL cease its drilling program until the results of an independent water study of the Gloucester Basin have been completed and presented to the public. Barrington-Glouceste r-Stroud Preservation Alliance spokesperson Graeme Healy said now equipment was being withdrawn and AGL was vacating the site, there was no need to maintain the blockade. http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/gloucester-protesters-call-stumps/2395967.aspx Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:02 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/203 Bronwyn Farr (The Land) AGL will today begin the process of mothballing the site of its proposed coal seam gas exploration drilling south of Gloucester. Access to the site has been blockaded for the past twelve days by local landholders who have been demanding that AGL cease its drilling program until the results of an independent water study of the Gloucester Basin have been completed and presented to the public. http://grip.org.au/news/display/202 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:33 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/202 Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance The coal seam gas debate will move into Gloucester Shire Councils chambers this morning as councillors consider a notice of motion to support a moratorium on coal seam gas. The motion, put forward by Cr John Rosenbaum calls on council to support the moratorium on coal seam gas until such time as the Peer Review science that looks at the whole impact of the industry has been done. The motion will be put on the table as the blockade on the corner of Jacks Road and Maslens Lane continues, launched by members of the Barrington Gloucester Stroud Preservation Alliance last Monday in a bid to stop AGL moving onto a nearby property to begin exploratory drilling. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/drilling-stopped-blockade-stays/2391479.aspx Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/197 Gloucester Advocate Gloucester Council is divided about the ongoing blockade of AGLs coal seam gas drill site. The Mayor says they are breaking the law and should move on. Its been over a week since a group of protesters set up a blockade at AGLs drill site for coal seam gas on a public road in Forbesdale Gloucester. Despite ongoing negotiations with AGL, the protesters will remain until AGL agrees to a fully independent hydrological study. http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2011/12/13/3389942.htm Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:28 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/193 Katya Quigley (ABC Mid North Coast) Coal seam gas (CSG) will again be the topic of conversation when politicians and farmers gather in Mullaley for an information session today. The federal independent Member for New England, Tony Windsor, will be speaking on his amendments to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, tabled several months ago with the aim of affording greater protection to the regions water assets in the face of CSG expansion. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-13/spotlight-put-on-csg/3728806/?site=newengland§ion=news Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:02 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/195 ABC New England North West THE Johns River Community Hall hosted a lively community forum on the issue of coal seam gas mining. Forum moderator David Shepard from the Johns River Community Progress Association (JRCPA) said the forum on Saturday was a very lively and well-moderated forum discussing all the issues, from the science and past experiences, to current regulations, and the future of Coal Seam Gas on the Mid North Coast, NSW and in Australia. Invitations were extended to CSG companies, AGL and Santos but both companies were notable absentees from the forum with Mr Shepard describing them as having gone to ground. http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/lively-community-forum-on-coal-seam-gas-mining/2390802.aspx?storypage=0 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:48 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/196 Manning River Times RESIDENTS blockading a road near Gloucester in opposition to AGLs coal seam gas operations should move immediately or be removed by police, Gloucester Shire mayor Geoff Slack said yesterday. The blockade by the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance was established last Monday on a public road at Forbesdale. The road was the access to AGLs pilot well-drilling site. Cr Slack, a solicitor, said the protesters were breaking the law and he had asked the police late last week to remove them. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/residents-in-agl-blockade-told-to-move-or-be-removed/2388580.aspx Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/192 Frances Thomson (The Herald) A spontaneous blockade has been imposed on coal seam gas company AGL outside the Hunter Valley town of Gloucester. Local residents, alarmed at the entry of trucks carrying heavy equipment onto a local property where a coal seam gas rig was expected in the near future, scrambled to blockade the trucks. http://lockthegate.org.au/media/display/6947 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:18 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/189 Drew Hutton (Lock The Gate Alliance) GLOUSESTER residents gave a resounding thumbs up at a public meeting on Wednesday night to an ongoing blockade to prevent gas company AGL from drilling a further four pilot wells, according to Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance (BGSPA) spokesman Graeme Healy. He said residents approved BGSPAs move to call on the NSW Government to immediately implement a moratorium on all coal seam gas (CSG) exploration until an independent scientific investigation into the environmental, economic and social impacts of CSG was completed. It was an enthusiastic meeting, people were clamouring to add their names to the blockade roster, Mr Healy said. http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/gloucester-residents-build-on-csg-blockade/2386138.aspx Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:56 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/166 The Land Protestors are maintaining their blockade at a Gloucester property for a third straight night, to prevent AGL drilling four coal seam gas exploration wells. The residents launched the blockade on Monday night and say they wont stop until theres an independent water study. Members of the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance are holding a public meeting tonight from seven to discuss further action. Residents are also waiting on the Land and Environment courts decision on the Alliances case against the gas company. http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/12/07/blockade-continues-in-gloucester/ Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/186 NBN News INDEPENDENT Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott is urging AGL to reconsider its drilling operations near Gloucester amid growing community concern that has resulted in a blockade at Forbesdale. Im asking AGL to consider the impact its activities are having on the Gloucester community, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas, and delay their drilling until the Land and Environment Court hands down its ruling in the new year, Mr Oakeshott said. The delay would have no impact on AGLs long-term ambitions for the Gloucester basin, if the court supports their approval, but it would carry a lot of weight with a community that simply wants to know if coal-seam gas drilling is likely to affect their ground and surface water. Its not an unreasonable ask, especially as we are heading into the holiday period when many companies close over Christmas-New Year. http://roboakeshott.com/node/1166 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:30 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/194 Rob Oakeshott "We are doing a Caroona" was how I was greeted when we arrived at the Gloucester blockade to stop AGL from putting drill rigs on farming land. Locals at the latest action to take on the coal seam gas industry have been buoyed by the two successful blockades on the Liverpool Plains. One of those blockades occurred at Caroona, where farmers kept the action going for nearly two years. You can see more photos on my facebook page. http://lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au/content/news-story/doing-caroona-gloucester-coal-seam-gas-blockade Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/185 Senator Lee Rhiannon GAS EXPLORER AGL will use an agreement with coal explorer Gloucester Resources to carry out drilling in the Gloucester area but first it has to end a blockade by residents opposed to coal seam gas operations. AGL has confirmed the land, south of the town, on which it wants to drill to obtain water data is owned by the mining company. Last month, AGL and Gloucester Resources announced they had entered into access agreements for coal seam gas exploration. Gloucester Resources has been buying up properties in the Gloucester area in recent months. An AGL spokesman said it had an access and compensation agreement with Gloucester Resources. AGL has to cross a rural property to get to its pilot wells drilling site but said it had an access agreement with that owner as well. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-gas-blockade-enters-third-day/2383784.aspx Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:06 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/184 Frances Thomson (The Herald) A spokesperson from AGL said the company respects the right the farmers have to protest, and will continue to work with the community on a compromise, but warned they need to exercise caution. "We urge protesters to also respect our right to go about our activities in an orderly and, most importantly, a safe manner," the spokeswoman said in a statement. AGL has denied claims by Lock the Gate that is licensed for 110 wells in the Gloucester Valley, saying the current drilling program was about gas exploration and not linked to the gas production wells. "We hold approvals for this exploration program to be conducted on private land and have landowner access agreements in place," the spokeswoman said. http://www.foodmag.com.au/news/csg-protesters-warned-over-blockade-dart-energy-s Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/183 Jessica Burke (Food Magazine) RESIDENTS who have blockaded an AGL coal seam gas exploration site at Gloucester said they would continue their protest until the company stopped all drilling. The blockade began on Monday afternoon at the entry road to an AGL pilot well site on private land south of the town. The blockade was organised by the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance, whose chairman Graeme Healy said AGL had been asked to stop work. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-gas-blockade-to-stay/2383784.aspx Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/182 Frances Thomson (The Herald) THE communitys fight to stop coal seam gas mining in the Gloucester Valley has stepped up a notch, with a peaceful blockade now in place outside a local property where mining company AGL plans to install a drilling rig. About 12 protesters spent Monday night outside the property at the intersection of Jack Road and Maslens Lane, south of Gloucester, with numbers growing yesterday Protesters have vowed to stay onsite indefinitely, to such time as AGL agrees to defer further drilling until a fully independent study of the groundwater hydrology of the Gloucester basin is completed. AGL countered yesterday, calling in the protesters to respect its right to go about its lawful activities, and the situation appeared at a stalemate. http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-mining-blockade/2384021.aspx?storypage=0 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/181 Helen Manusu (Manning River Times) NSW Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon has thrown her support behind farmers blockading a dairy farm north of Newcastle. Farmers gathered at the property outside Gloucester on Monday afternoon after coal seam gas company AGL began bringing equipment onto the property. Ms Rhiannon, who visited the protesters, said that about 40 farmers had assembled at the farm by Tuesday afternoon. http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/12251703/greens-throw-support-behind-csg-blockade/ Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:32 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/180 AAP via Prime 7 News Coal seam gas protestors have set up a blockade on private property. And theyre refusing to move, unless their demands are met. They want AGL to commit to an independent water study into coal seam gas activity. But thats unlikely to happen- AGL says it has its own. http://au.prime7.yahoo.com/n1/news/a/-/local/12255561/gloucester-agl-blockade-video/ Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:09 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/179 Prime 7 News The fight against coal seam gas has stepped up a notch, with a passionate group of Gloucester residents blockading a property to prevent drilling by AGL. The residents are demanding an independent water study be completed, and say theyll stay for as long as it takes. http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/12/06/coal-seam-gas-blockade-in-gloucester/ Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/178 NBN News RESIDENTS who have formed a blockade against AGLs coal seam gas exploration at Gloucester say they will continue their protest until the company stops all drilling. The blockade began Monday afternoon at the entry road to an AGL pilot well site on private land south of the town. The blockade has been organised by the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance, whose chairman Graeme Healy said AGL had been asked to stop work. Mr Healy said residents were prepared to stay at the blockade until their demands were met. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/residents-to-continue-blockade-against-agl-at-gloucester/2382580.aspx Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/177 Frances Thomson (The Herald) A blockade against a Gloucester Valley coal seam gas project will stay in place for another night. Last night protesters set-up camp blocking the access road to a property off Jacks Lane on the towns outskirts. AGL has development approval to drill up to 110-gas wells on the property. http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/12/06/3384875.htm Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:48 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/176 ABC Mid North Coast NSW AGL has urged farmers blockading a NSW dairy farm to allow its workers to do their jobs safely. Farmers started gathering at the farm, outside Gloucester, north of Newcastle, on Monday afternoon after the coal seam gas company began bringing equipment onto the property. About 20 farmers have gathered there on Tuesday morning in protest. "Its not up to individual people to let them on because its everybodys water that is threatened by it," said Drew Hutton of Lock The Gate, a farmers protest group. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/nsw-farmers-blockading-csg-company-20111206-1ogdq.html Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:54 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/175 AAP via SMH NSW Greens MP and mining spokesperson Jeremy Buckingham has congratulated the Gloucester community for standing up to protect their local water resources and agricultural future by launching a blockade against coal seam gas company AGL. The Blockade is stopping AGLs drill rigs at the corner of Jacks Road and Maslens Lane, Gloucester. "The Government has refused to listen to the communitys calls for a moratorium on coal seam gas so Gloucester has launched its own moratorium by blockading access to the planned drill sites," said Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham. http://www.jeremybuckingham.org/?p=965 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/174 Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham If you have ever visited Gloucester, you will know it as a delightful farming community in the foothills of the Barrington Tops world heritage area. It is an area best known for rich dairy herds, fine produce, and the dramatic Gloucester Tops range that rises abruptly from the valley floor. But now it is increasingly known as a coal mine - and a gas field. The residents of this idyllic valley are facing the same questions facing so many other communities that are on the frontline of the fossil fuel boom - "How can we stop our most beautiful and productive farmlands becoming an industrial wasteland at the hands of the mining industry-" The answer depends on whether you want to play by the rules or not. Playing by the rules, when it comes to trying to stop a coal mine or a coal seam gas development, means losing. The rules exist to encourage mining - not to stop it. Some rural communities know this so well that they dont even bother fighting. But an increasing number are saying to hell with the rules - with surprising results. http://blogs.crikey.com.au/rooted/2011/12/06/gloucester-landowners-blockade-agl-coal-seam-gas-project/ Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:09 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/173 John Hepburn (Crikey - Rooted) AGL has called on protestors blockading access to a drill rig site to allow the company to "respect its right" to go about its "lawful activities". On Monday afternoon a group of landholders and residents formed the blockade at the intersection of Jacks Road and Maslens Lane. About 10 slept people slept onsite on Monday night and by this morning that number had grown to more than 20. Spokesman Steve Robinson said the blockade will remain in place indefinitely. An appeal has been lodged with the Land and Environment Court over the State Governments approval of the AGL gas project earlier this year, before the state election. Mr Robinson said while the appeal was being heard no drilling should be taking place. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/let-us-go-about-our-business-agl-to-protestors/2382726.aspx?storypage=0 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:45 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/172 Gloucester Advocate A BLOCKADE against gas explorer AGLs coal seam gas operations at Gloucester is continuing. The blockade began yesterday afternoon to disrupt AGLs rigs getting into place on land south of the town. The blockade has been organised by the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance, whose chairman Graeme Healy said AGL had been asked to stop work on the pilot wells. "The Gloucester-Stroud Valleys life depends on agriculture, tourism and lifestyle settlement," Mr Healy said. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/blockade-against-agl-continues-at-gloucester/2382580.aspx Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:37 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/171 Frances Thomson (The Herald) GLOUCESTER landholders and residents have launched a blockade to stop AGL from putting a coal seam gas (CSG) drill rig into place, angry that the company has approval to proceed with 110 gas wells. The blockade at the intersection of Jacks Road and Maslens Lane kicked off on Monday afternoon and is growing in size today. Barrington-Gloucester -Stroud Preservation Alliance spokesperson Graeme Healy said AGLs 330 well coal seam gas project was approved in the last days of the previous government, despite the fact that no independent study of groundwater hydrology had been undertaken. http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/agl-csg-blocked-at-gloucester/2382510.aspx?storypage=0 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:02 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/170 Bronwyn Farr (The Land) Gloucester landholders and residents launched a blockade to stop coal seam gas company AGL from putting a drill rig into place. The blockade is at the intersection of Jacks Road and Maslens Lane, Gloucester. "AGLs 330 well coal seam gas project was approved in the last days of the previous government despite the fact that no independent study of groundwater hydrology had been undertaken" Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance spokesman Graeme Healy said. "The Gloucester-Stroud Valley is particularly vulnerable to environmental damage by gas extraction because its complex pattern of geological faults and shears creates an exceptionally high risk of gas migration and water table damage." http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-says-no-to-agls-drill-rig/2382475.aspx Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:47 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/169 Gloucester Advocate More community protesters are this morning expected to join the blockade of coal seam gas drill equipment at a property at Gloucester north of Newcastle. Around 12 protesters have spent the night blocking the equipment from entering the site. A-G-L were given the nod to develop a 330 well gas field in February, but the community are waiting for the Land And Environment Court to rule on their appeal. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-06/protesters-blockade-coal-seam-gas-site/3714222/?site=newcastle Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:25 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/168 ABC Newcastle INCREASING anger is being expressed by Gloucester citizens at the refusal by mining company AGL to halt its drilling program to allow an independent examination of seismic and water studies undertaken since project approval for the development of a coal seam gas field was prematurely given in the dying days of the previous State government in February. Barrington-Glou cester-Stroud Preservation Alliance said this week that at the NSW Government Upper House coal seam gas inquiry in Taree, "MidCoast Water stated they had been excluded from the early phase of planning and they now have been given preliminary water study results which indicate the presence of heavy metals and very high salinity in the water coming from the drill holes. "In addition they stated in the Gloucester Advocate they have not done measurements of the cancer causing BTEX chemicals potentially released from fracked coal seams into the ground and surface water systems." http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/anger-increases-over-gloucester-drilling-campaign/2382480.aspx Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/167 Manning River Times FARMERS in the Gloucester area, near Newcastle, are setting up a blockade to stop a coal seam gas company entering a dairy farm. Farmers started gathering at the farm, outside Gloucester, yesterday afternoon after AGL began bringing equipment onto the property, a spokesman for the Lock the Gate Alliance said. About 20 farmers are expected to have gathered there by this morning. http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2011/12/06/416461_national-news.html Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/191 AAP via Weekly Times Urgent Attention: Gloucester Blockade - re: AGL Gas - Started NOW, Today Monday Afternoon. The peaceful blockade at Jacks Road and MarsenAirstrip Rd/Maslens - South of Gloucester Township, has been started. Please ring John Dugas on 0411112072 or Robyn on 0404057550, also Ray Dawes on 0428191249. AGL Gas will be drilling on a very productive dairy farm. The rigs have arrived earlier than expected. Tents are being set up in Ed and Tina Robinsons land next to the blockade. http://www.newcastlegreens.org.au/2011/12/05/save-gloucester-from-gas-support-is-needed/ Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/190 Newcastle Greens Gloucester Coals plans to run its proposed extended operations 24 hours a day is opposed by Gloucester Shire Council because noise will pose unacceptable health risks for residents. Councillors voted against the companys plans on Wednesday and supported a motion by Cr Tony Tersteeg to oppose the operations on health grounds. Cr Tersteeg acknowledged the move would not stop the proposal but he said it made the communitys views clear. Stratford and Glen Road residents have continually complained about noise from the existing coal extraction processes at Stratford mine even though at present mining is restricted to daytime hours, Cr Tersteeg told the council. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-mine-plans-opposed/2363097.aspx Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/188 Frances Thomson (The Herald) LANDHOLDERS in the Gloucester area whose properties are being targeted by coal seam gas mining companies have had their rights explained to them by a team from Taree legal firm, Paton Hooke. Tony Marshall and Gus Farland addressed a forum in Gloucester at the invitation of the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance (BGSPA), in response to landholders concerns about gas companies wanting to enter their land to explore for gas located in the coal seam. More than 30 landholders attended, some of whom have already entered into agreements with a gas company. Others have been approached by a gas company but have, until now, resisted their approaches. http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/fracking-gloucester-landholders-rights-explained/2362579.aspx?storypage=0 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 01:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/187 Manning River Times The Duralie open cut coal mine has received approval for extensions. It comes after the mine development by Gloucester Coal saw serious opposition from local community groups, according to the Newcastle Herald. The NSW Land and Environment Court gave approval yesterday after previously putting operations on hold due to appeals against them in May by the Ironstone Community Action Group (ICAG). This is despite Gloucester being granted environmental and planning approvals in December last year, and mining leases in January. http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/embattled-duralie-coal-mine-gets-approvals Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/165 Cole Latimer (Australian Mining) CONTROVERSIAL extensions to the Duralie open-cut coalmine in the Gloucester Valley have been approved. The NSW Land and Environment Court granted the approval today after upholding an appeal against them in May. The Ironstone Community Action Group had protested against the mines extension, citing dust and noise impacts. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/duralie-opencut-extensions-approved/2353965.aspx Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:12 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/164 Neil Goffet (The Herald) CHAIRMAN of the Manning Alliance Peter Epov received a standing ovation following his testimony to the parliamentary inquiry into coal seam gas mining held at Club Taree on Monday afternoon. The afternoon session of the inquiry heard compelling testimony from various community groups with local farmer Bruce Robertsons testimony greeted with similar enthusiasm from the public gallery. Mr Epov gave an impassioned opening statement in which he highlighted, amongst other things, the amount of former government workers now employed by the coal seam gas mining industry. http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-seam-gas-mining-inquiry-testimony-applauded/2343981.aspx?storypage=0 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:12 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/163 Manning River Times Chairman of the Manning Alliance Peter Epov received a standing ovation following his testimony to the parliamentary inquiry into coal seam gas mining held at Club Taree on Monday afternoon. The afternoon session of the inquiry heard compelling testimony from various community groups with local farmer Bruce Robertsons testimony greeted with similar enthusiasm from the public gallery. Mr Epov gave an impassioned opening statement in which he highlighted, amongst other things, the amount of former government workers now employed by the coal seam gas mining industry. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/compelling-testimony-at-inquiry/2343102.aspx Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/160 Mitchell Jennings (Manning River Times) Its one continuous bloody nightmare, once coal seam gas mining exploration begins on a property, a witness told the opening session of Mondays government inquiry into coal seam gas in Taree. Cr John Rosenbaum, deputy mayor of Gloucester Shire Council, was one of five representatives from three local government councils invited to give evidence at the day-long hearing at Club Taree. Speaking from his personal experience as a Gloucester landowner already affected by a mining companys exploration practices, Cr Rosenbaum said the uncertainty of having your property under exploration licence goes on and on and on and could go on for the next five years. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/impact-ongoing-inquiry-told/2343100.aspx Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/161 Helen Manusu (Manning River Times) GLOUCESTER Shire Council has conducted a survey of its residents, which shows strong opposition to expanded coal mining and coal seam gas operations in its area. The survey also showed residents do not approve of the practice of conservation offsets for mining companies. Most of the respondents believed agriculture and mining could not co-exist, mining should not occur in areas of scenic and environmental value, and that the value of agriculture exceeds that of mining. http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-residents-surveyed-on-their-opinion-of-coal-seam-gas-mining/2343868.aspx Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/162 Manning River Times ITS "one continuous bloody nightmare", once coal seam gas mining exploration begins on a property, a witness told the opening session of yesterdays government inquiry in Taree. Cr John Rosenbaum, deputy mayor of Gloucester Shire Council, was one of five representatives from three local government councils invited to give evidence at the day-long hearing at Club Taree. Speaking from his personal experience as a Gloucester landowner already affected by a mining companys exploration practices, Cr Rosenbaum said the uncertainty of having your property under exploration licence "goes on and on and on" and could go on for the next five years. http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-farmers-coal-gas-mining-nightmare/2342713.aspx Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/159 Helen Manusu (Manning River Times) The next New South Wales north coast hearing of an Upper House inquiry into coal seam gas (CSG) mining is in Taree next Monday. The Barrington Gloucester Stroud Preservation Alliance was first refused a hearing but has now been invited to present evidence. The group spokesman, Graham Healy, says there must be a moratorium on exploration and mining until there is research about impacts on water supplies. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-26/gloucester-group-outlines-csg-mining-fears/3600988/?site=newcastle Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:07 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/157 ABC Newcastle Gloucester Shire Council will call on the State Government to again look at cancelling or reviewing the boundaries of the coal exploration licences held by Gloucester Resources Limited (GRL). In a mayoral minute to the October council meeting Mayor Cr Geoff Slack said that the GRL coal exploration licences fall due for renewal in March 2012. He said council has consistently reviewed the applications for exploration by GRL and has previously submitted requests to the state government asking that the licences not be renewed or that alternations be made to reduce the effective area under exploration and development. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/council-to-lobby-for-exploration-licences-to-be-cancelled/2335169.aspx Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/158 Gloucester Advocate Gloucester Shire Council has been invited to give evidence at the Coal Seam Gas inquiry sitting in Taree next Monday. Council will join representatives from both Great Lakes and Greater Taree City Council in giving evidence. At last weeks Gloucester Shire Council meeting councillors elected deputy mayor Cr John Rosenbaum and Cr Jerry Germon, who is a member of the AGL community consultative committee, to attend the inquiry on their behalf. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/council-to-give-evidence-at-csg-inquiry/2335165.aspx Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/156 Gloucester Advocate The NSW Upper House Standing Committee inquiring into coal seam gas will sit in Taree next Monday, 31 October to take evidence from individuals and community groups. A huge number of written submissions have been received and the Committee is convening in a number of locations around the state to take further evidence. The Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance made a detailed submission to the Inquiry but was initially excluded from the list of those invited to give evidence to the Committee in Taree. However, subsequent lobbying by BGSPA has resulted in a belated invitation being issued. BGSPA Chairperson Graeme Healy said that the initial decision to exclude BGSPA was a great shock to everyone. Obviously, it is not possible to invite everyone to give evidence. However, given that the Gloucester-Stroud Valley is at the forefront of coal seam gas development in NSW and BGSPA has been battling the development for a number of years, the decision made no sense and raised doubts in peoples minds about the objectivity and transparency of the Inquiry. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-seam-gas-inquiry-in-taree-monday/2335164.aspx Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/155 Gloucester Advocate ALL anti-coal seam gas groups already existing in the Manning, Gloucester, Great Lakes and Camden Haven region have agreed to join an alliance to present a united front to their fight. The group to be called the Mid Coast Regional Council of Alliances (MCRCA) will have as its principal aim the opposition of coal seam gas (CSG) mining. It was formed at a meeting on Saturday hosted by Manning Alliance Inc which will operate in an auspicing role until the new group is formally established. http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/alliance-to-fight-coal-seam-gas-mining/2334639.aspx?storypage=0 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 01:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/154 Helen Manusu (Manning River Times) Manning Alliance, the peak body opposing CSG drilling in the Manning Valley, has announced the Barrington Gloucester Stroud Preservation Alliance has now been invited to give evidence at the NSW Upper House Inquiry into Coal Seam Gas to be held in Taree next Monday. Announcing the reversal of an earlier decision, Manning Alliance chairman Peter Epov said he was pleased there has been a review and that Gloucester has now been invited to give evidence. "Gloucester is the CSG hotspot in NSW. A great deal can be learnt from their experiences," Mr Epov said. http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-represented-at-csg-inquiry/2334640.aspx Tue, 25 Oct 2011 01:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/153 Helen Manusu (Manning River Times) A peak anti-coal seam gas body has been snubbed- told it cant give evidence at a state inquiry into the industry. Shocked and disappointed- the group hasnt given up hope with word there could be a change of heart. http://au.prime7.yahoo.com/n1/news/a/-/local/10501503/csg-inquiry-snub-video/ Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/152 Prime 7 News Around 100 people gathered in Billabong Park on Sunday to support Lock the Gate Alliances national day of action against coal seam gas. The local rally, organised by the Barrington Gloucester Stroud Preservation Alliance featured a number of local speakers including Cr Tony Tersteeg. Those present were also given an update on the Alliances court case in the Land and Environment Court appealing the approval of AGLs coal seam gas development. The hearing started in Sydney on Monday. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-joins-national-day-of-action/2327724.aspx Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/151 Gloucester Advocate Legal action to try and stop a coal seam gas project near Gloucester continues in the Land and Environment Court today. Yesterday, the court was told the environmental impact of the mining project has not been properly assessed. The Barrington Gloucester Stroud Preservation Alliance is challenging the New South Wales Governments approval of an AGL plan to drill more than 300 gas wells in the valley. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-18/court-hears-coal-seam-gas-water-worries/3577136/?site=newcastle Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:16 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/150 ABC Newcastle WHILE hundreds of Hunter residents have voiced an emphatic "no coal seam gas" message its obvious that representatives of the New South Wales Government and at least one gas company are yet to be convinced. On Sunday, more than 400 people at Broke and 55 at Putty were among thousands throughout New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia who attended "lock the gate" rallies. Hunter Valley protests were also held at Newcastle, Maitland, Wollombi and Gloucester. http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/hundreds-gather-to-protest-gas/2327218.aspx Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:39 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/142 Paul Maguire (Singleton Argus) ONE of the states biggest coal seam gas projects, AGLs Gloucester Gas in the Hunter, is being challenged in the Land and Environment Court. AGL paid $370 million for the rights to the licence area in 2008 and hopes to begin producing gas in 2017. Yesterday, the Environmental Defenders Office, which represents the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance, sought to have the approval for the project declared invalid. http://www.smh.com.au/business/court-challenge-for-agl-project-20111017-1ltcy.html Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/140 Leonie Lamont (SMH) The Land and Environment Court will today start hearing a challenge to the approval of coal seam gas mining in the Gloucester Valley. In February, the New South Wales Planning and Assessment Commission approved more than 300 gas wells for the valley. The Barrington Gloucester Stroud Preservation Alliance says it has mounted a landmark case. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-17/coal-seam-gas-legal-stoush-begins/3574590/?site=newcastle Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:27 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/143 ABC Newcastle The Gloucestor Stroud Preservation Alliance is lodged an appeal against coal seam gas mining in Gloucester. The contentious issue of coal seam gas mining on the mid north coast is in court this week. In whats being described as an important test case, the Land and Environment Court is hearing the concerns the Gloucestor Stroud Preservation Alliance, who has lodged an appeal against the approval granted to AGLs coal seam gas project in the Gloucestor Stroud Valley. http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/10/17/3341405.htm?site=newcastle Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:28 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/141 Liz Keen (ABC Newcastle) A rally in Newcastle has been told nowhere is safe from coal seam gas exploration and local waterways are under threat from the industry. The rally has been held as part of a National Day of Action against coal seam gas with the theme Defend Our Water to coincide with National Water Week. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-17/hunter-residents-rally-against-coal-seam-gas/3574474/?site=newcastle Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:56 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/144 ABC Newcastle Alan Jones speaks to Garry Smith from Gloucester about a legal challenge to coal seam gas mining. http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&task=view&id=10432 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 07:15 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/145 Alan Jones (2GB) Hundreds of protesters "reclaimed" Nobbys headland for the people and groups turned out at Broke and Gloucester as rallies in three states turned up the heat on the coal seam gas industry. The rallies in NSW, Queensland and Western Australia were co-ordinated by the Lock the Gate alliance and timed to coincide with National Water Week. At Nobbys, Lake Macquarie Greens councillor Phillipa Parsons said people had come from as far away as Moree and the north coast. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/hunter-coal-seam-gas-fight/2325335.aspx Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/149 Ian Kirkwood (The Herald) Maitland has added its voice to a national day of action against coal seam gas mining. The Lock The Gate Alliance used the rally at Ministers Park yesterday and several others throughout the country to endorse several principles including a freeze on all coal seam gas mining until a Royal Commission can assess the impacts. http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/maitland-throws-its-weight-behind-call-for-action-against-coal-seam-gas/2325245.aspx Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/146 Sam Rigney (Maitland Mercury) THE NSW Ombudsman has raised concerns that a government department has a potential conflict of interest because its role of encouraging investment in the state clashes with its duty to regulate coal seam gas activities. Bruce Barbour has also suggested a levy incorporated into activity licence fees could be used to ensure the government has adequate resources to regulate the industry and enforce conditions. In a submission to a state parliament inquiry, Mr Barbour said his office had looked into several incidents at coal seam gas sites in NSW and found there was a "lack of clarity" around the intersecting roles of different government agencies. http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/concerns-of-conflict-of-interest-in-nsw-coal-seam-gas-mining/2325340.aspx Mon, 17 Oct 2011 01:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/148 Michelle Harris (The Herald via Northern Daily Leader) Dozens of coordinated rallies have been staged across the country, including two in the Hunter, protesting coal seam gas mining. The events were held in response to growing fears the industry is destroying peoples health, farmland and the environment. http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2011/10/16/protestors-let-off-steam-over-gas-mining/ Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/147 NBN News The State Governments approval of 330 coal seam gas wells in the Gloucester-Stroud valley is about to be put to the test in court. Last February, the NSW Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) gave approval for AGLs development of a minimum 330 well coal seam gas project in the valley. The Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance (BGSPA), with the support of the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO), has lodged an appeal against the projects approval. http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-seam-gas-mining-gloucester-appeal-in-court-monday/2323903.aspx?storypage=0 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:21 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/139 Manning River Times The nationwide National Day of Action Against Coal Seam Gas, co-ordinated by Lock the Gate Alliance, is on this Sunday, October 16. There will be large rallies in Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle, with smaller events being held in communties, inlcuding Gloucester, across the state. The rally in Gloucester has been organised by the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance and will be held in the Billabong Park starting at 1pm. The event is timed to coincide with the conclusion of the Womens Gathering to allow delegates to that event to also join the rally. A number of community members have agreed to speak and a couple of prominent guest speakers have been invited to share their views. The program will also include a comedy skit. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/no-coal-seam-gas-rally-in-gloucester/2321889.aspx Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:18 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/137 Gloucester Advocate The appeal against the approval by the Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) of AGLs coal seam gas development in the Gloucester-Stroud Valley is set to commence in the Land & Environment Court in Sydney on Monday 17 October. The appeal has been lodged by the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance with the support of the Environmental Defenders Office. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/landmark-court-case-set-to-start/2321890.aspx Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:18 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/138 Gloucester Advocate THE Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance has organised a No Coal Seam Gas rally in Gloucester this Sunday as part of the nationwide National Day of Action Against Coal Seam Gas, which is being co-ordinated by Lock the Gate Alliance. The rally in Gloucester will be held in the Billabong Park at 1pm. The event is timed to coincide with the conclusion of the NSW Rural Womens Gathering, which is also being held in Gloucester, to allow delegates to that event to join the rally. http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-hosts-coal-seam-gas-protest-rally/2321036.aspx Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:15 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/136 Manning River Times Maitland will join a nationwide protest to stop delivery of gas from Narrabri to Kooragang Island through the region. Residents will gather at Ministers Park, Maitland, on Sunday, for a national day of action opposing the coal seam gas mining project. This rally is part of an awareness campaign to let people know what could happen, but also we want people to know that we are very much against this project because we just dont need the gas, rally organiser and Maitland Greens member Wendy White said. http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/residents-rally-to-oppose-coal-seam-gas-mining-project/2320353.aspx Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/135 Emma Swain (Maitland Mercury) FROM Catherine Hill Bay to Gloucester and Murrurundi, communities across the Hunter will rally on Sunday to voice their concerns about the rapidly expanding coal seam gas industry. Under the banner of "Defend Our Water", events have been planned throughout region as part of a national day of action. "This is shaping up to be the biggest social movement of our time, it is certainly not just a green issue, organiser and Lake Macquarie City councillor Phillipa Parsons said. "It has galvanised farmers, vignerons, tourism operators and environmentalists alike." http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/environment/communities-unite-against-coal-seam-gas/2320480.aspx Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/134 Matthew Kelly and Michelle Harris (The Herald) The Manning Alliance announced on Friday that after a series of highly productive discussions with the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance (BSGPA) in Gloucester, both parties have agreed to co-operate in the fight against coal seam gas drilling in the Manning Valley. The Gloucester alliance has decided to adopt and participate in Project Blue, which has has its goal to preserve the agrarian amenity of the Manning Valley for future generations. http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-seam-gas-mining-opposed-gloucester-on-board/2319590.aspx Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:54 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/133 Manning River Times Gloucester shire residents are being warned of potentially serious health implications from living near coal seam gas mining. The natural gas and electricity company A-G-L has been granted approval to sink over one hundred coal seam gas wells in the Gloucester shire. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/07/04/3260383.htm Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:45 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/132 ABC News Mid-Western Regional Council has called on the State Government to look beyond the next 25 years when considering the effect of new coal mines on surrounding communities. In an extensive response to the State Governments scoping paper on a strategy for the coal and coal seam gas industries, council has called on the State Government to develop local regional action plans which take into account the all the costs and benefits of mining. http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/news/local/news/general/midwest-calls-for-long-view-of-mines/2129766.aspx?storypage=0 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:26 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/131 Robyn Murray (Mudgee Guardian) THE fight for the Camberwell Common never rested and last Friday it picked up pace with the Environmental Defenders Office filing summons in the Land and Environment Court. The two-part 90-hectare common had been controlled by a community trust since 1876 until it was taken from them in April last year at short notice. http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/common-fight-to-get-day-in-court/2128426.aspx Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:33 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/128 Singleton Argus ASHTON Coal could be fined as much as $1.1million for the possible disturbance of Aboriginal objects at its mine in Camberwell. An investigation was launched last Wednesday after the Office of Environment and Heritage (formerly DECCW) were notified of a possible disturbance of Aboriginal objects on March 23. http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/stop-order-on-mine/2128414.aspx Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:24 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/129 Sarah Lee (Singleton Argus) Plans for the $1 billion Cobbora Coal Project near Dunedoo have been delayed for two-and-a-half years in light of the recent change in state government. Project developers Macquarie Generation, Delta Electricity and Eraring Energy have cited the political power shift and a change in projected coal demand as reasons behind their decision to halt the project, developed by the former Labor government to provide coal for state-owned power stations. http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/news/local/news/general/cobbora-mine-on-hold/2128258.aspx Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:46 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/130 Anika Hume (Mudgee Guardian) Stay out. That was the message from the Denman community to proponents of a coal exploration project last week. A show of hands during a public forum at Denman Memorial Hall last week revealed a large majority of residents at the meeting opposed the Ferndale project, which could lead to construction of a coalmine at Yarrawa, about eight kilometres south-west of Denman. http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/resistance-to-mine-plan/2127601.aspx Fri, 08 Apr 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/127 Dayarne Smith (Muswellbrook Chronicle) Another nine holes will be drilled on an exploration lease area near Denman after high-quality coal was found during the projects first stage. About 170 community members turned out at Denman Memorial Hall on Thursday evening, March 31, to hear from representatives of the Ferndale Exploration Project. The project is part of a joint venture by mining companies Coalworks and the Nathan Tinkler-founded Boardwalk Resources. http://www.muswellbrookchronicle.com.au/news/local/news/general/early-drilling-uncovers-quality-coal/2127603.aspx Fri, 08 Apr 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/126 Dayarne Smith (Muswellbrook Chronicle) Third year students from Macquarie University will be spending a week in the Gloucester, Barrington and Avon Rivers undertaking a range of tasks to examine the health and condition of these systems. The students are part of a geomorphology class, studying the water and sediment processes that occur along these rivers and how they have changed over the last 200 years. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/river-scientists-to-study-local-waterways/2124535.aspx Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/123 Gloucester Advocate forestry trial in the Upper Hunter has attracted international interest with a Chinese delegation visiting a eucalypt plantation last month. The delegation visited the 80,000-tree plantation owned by Coal and Allied, located near the companys Hunter Valley Operations mine site at Singleton. http://huntervalleynews.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/chinese-delegation-visits-singleton-mine-plantation/2124685.aspx Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/125 Hunter Valley News Sites have been chosen for four air quality monitors in the Upper Hunter. The Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network met for the fourth time last month and agreed on the locations for the monitoring stations in north-west Muswellbrook, Singleton south, Aberdeen and Warkworth. Stations at Singleton north, Camberwell, Bulga and Mount Thornley are due to be operating mid-year, and at Maison Dieu by the end of April. The last sites to be chosen are at Jerrys Plains, Wybong and Merriwa. http://huntervalleynews.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/dust-watch-expands/2124706.aspx Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/124 Hunter Valley News A public information session on the AGL gas development was attended by more than 170 people last Tuesday, with the question and answer session attracting not only residents of the Gloucester valley, but those from Broke and Bulga, Taree and Port Macquarie and candidates in Saturdays state election. The meeting, organised by the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance, was called to provide the community with an opportunity to ask questions about the AGL project. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/forum-attracts-broad-audience/2117365.aspx?storypage=0 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/122 Gloucester Advocate The Federal Lyne Independent is calling for Commonwealth intervention over the recent State Government decision to approve coal seam gas wells in the Gloucester Basin. During parliamentary question time yesterday, Robert Oakeshott asked the Environment Minister, Tony Burke, to undertake a full review of the approval, including comprehensive risk assessments and consultation. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/25/3173299.htm?site=midnorthcoast§ion=news Fri, 25 Mar 2011 07:52 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/121 ABC Mid North Coast News Independent member for Lyne Rob Oakeshott asked the Environment Minster Tony Burke whether the Government would review the approval of 110 gas wells in Gloucester under caretaker condisiont and make sure that it is done in a detailed consultation with the incoming New South Wales government. http://grip.org.au/news/display/120 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 07:37 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/120 Hansard Gloucester farmers unhappy with CSG plans by AGL to sink 110 wells in the region and met with the company last night from which media were banned. http://grip.org.au/news/display/119 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:55 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/119 ABC Rural Mark Ogge from Beyond Zero Emissions writes in The Herald http://grip.org.au/news/display/117 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:46 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/117 Mark Ogge in The Herald The Greens have criticised labor and the coalition for ignoring calls for a moratorium on gas mining. They say its unacceptable the government is rubberstamping approvals to get dollars in the door. http://portmacquarie.iprime.com.au/index.php/news/prime-news/fight-against-coal-seam-gas-video Thu, 24 Mar 2011 04:57 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/118 Prime7 Port Macquarie Lock The Gate Alliance is spreading far and wide. Our message is resonating, our plan for action is being heard, the combined voices of communities across Australia are having an enormous impact. http://lockthegate.org.au/news/display/2815 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:50 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/114 John C. Thomson Gloucesters coal seam gas project is shaping up to be a key state election issue for the Upper Hunter and surrounding areas. AGL has been given the green light to construct up to 110 coal seam gas wells in the Gloucester basin. Many in the community are worried the about potential environmental impact. On Tuesday night AGL faced people from Gloucester, Broke, the Manning and even Port Macquarie to answer some of those concerns. http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2011/03/23/3171368.htm Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:07 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/115 Fiona Poole (ABC Mid North Coast) Gas giant AGL has faced questions from residents concerned about the approval of more than 100 wells on the mid north coast. The company has been given the green light to construct up to 110 coal seam gas wells in the Gloucester basin. Graeme Healy from the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Society organised last nights meeting, and says about 200 people attended. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/23/3171343.htm?site=newcastle Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:56 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/113 ABC Newcastle MidCoast Water is calling for the establishment of an independent committee to consult on and monitor coal seam gas mining approved for the Gloucester area. The board of the county council unanimously supported the need for such a committee to have the power to make recommendations to the State Government as appropriate an include representation from the Great Lakes, Greater Taree and Gloucester local government areas as well as representation from MidCoast Water. The call came following a discussion of the potential impacts of coal seam gas mining at MidCoast Waters monthly council meeting, held earlier this week. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/call-for-independent-committee-to-keep-watch-on-gas-mining/2109345.aspx Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/112 Gloucester Advocate Upper House Greens MP Kate Faehrmann has called for a moratorium on coal seam gas activity during a tour of Gloucester as part of a state-wide "cost of mining" tour. The MP was in Gloucester recently and was critical of the governments decision to approval the AGL gas project so close to the state election. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/greens-call-for-moratorium-on-coal-seam-gas/2109344.aspx Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/111 Gloucester Advocate The Gloucester Advocate invited each of the candiates standing for the seat of Upper Hunter to to submit their views in 300 words or less on "What are the most important issues facing the people of the Upper Hunter electorate, in particular the Gloucester Shire, and what is your policy to address these issues". http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/the-candiates-for-upper-hunter/2109355.aspx?storypage=0 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/116 Gloucester Advocate MANAGING the Upper Hunters mineral resources alongside its agricultural ones looms as the major prospect for the areas candidates. Important issues affecting the Upper Hunter community in particular in recent years include mining approval processes and heavy industrys effect on public health. The seat spans Quirindi, Gloucester, Dungog, Singleton and Muswellbrook and includes vast swathes of farmland alongside numerous mines, wineries, horse studs and power stations. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/land-use-the-big-issue-in-upper-hunter/2109498.aspx Tue, 22 Mar 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/110 Matt Carr (The Herald) Scan of article in The Herald http://grip.org.au/news/display/109 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:43 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/109 The Herald Councillor Julie Lyford from Gloucester NSW speaks at the "Cant Eat Coal; Cant Drink Gas" Rally in Sydney, Sunday 20th March 2011. http://grip.org.au/news/display/108 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:26 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/108 TheGnomeHome A decision to approve up to 110 gas wells in Gloucester has sparked backlash from not only residents but Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott. He says the NSW governments decision was hasty, failing to consult with Mid Coast water and downstream water users. http://portmacquarie.iprime.com.au/index.php/news/prime-news/oakeshott-need-for-mine-review-video Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:27 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/107 Prime7 Port Macquarie Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott has questioned the timing of a state government decision to approve 110 gas wells in the Gloucester Basin. The Federal member has called for a review into the decision, saying it breaches the spirit of the caretaker convention. Mr Oakeshott says no significant decision should be pushed through by the public service without ministerial approval. He says the lack of consultation with local stakeholders is a real concern. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/18/3167411.htm?site=newcastle§ion=news Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:52 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/106 ABC Newcastle The Lock the Gate Alliance is co-ordinating a major pre-election rally in Sydney at 12noon on Sunday March 20. Communities seeking to preserve their "patches" from coal mining and/or coal seam gas development will gather at the intersection of Martin Place and Macquarie Street before moving to Hyde Park where they will be addressed by invited speakers. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-support-for-coal-and-gas-rally/2103826.aspx Wed, 16 Mar 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/102 Gloucester Advocate Premier Kristina Keneally used another campaign stop in the Hunter to unveil a 10-point plan for how Labor would deal with coalmining and coal seam gas, less than a fortnight from the election and after years of community calls for action. Announcing the plan at a Millbrook Estate near Millfield yesterday, Ms Keneally said Labor would, if re-elected, move to impose exclusion zones around valuable industries such as the Hunters thoroughbred and wine industries. Other measures would include a ban on the use of so-called BTEX chemicals in hydraulic fracturing or fracking for coal-seam gas extraction. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/labors-late-coal-call/2104124.aspx Wed, 16 Mar 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/105 Michelle Harris (The Herald) It was announced at the Singleton forum that additional forums will be held in April in Gloucester and Mudgee in recognition of the impacts of mining expansion being experienced in those regions. Dates will be advised once the incoming Planning Minister has been consulted. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/coal-and-gas-forum-set-down-for-gloucester-in-april/2103825.aspx Wed, 16 Mar 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/101 Gloucester Advocate MINING industry leaders in NSW have slammed both sides of politics for risking the states economic future by courting the green vote in the lead-up to the state election. Labor yesterday released its coal and coal-seam gas policy roadmap to a generally frosty reception, while the Coalition drew further criticism for failing to release sufficient detail on its proposed changes to planning laws. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/miners-blast-both-sides-for-courting-green-vote/story-fn7r7bxz-1226022088411 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/104 Amos Aikman (The Australian) KRISTINA KENEALLY has pre-empted her governments review of the coal and gas industry and committed to banning the use of a toxic group of chemicals in the controversial technique known as fracking to extract coal seam gas. The Premier published a 10-point plan for coalmining and coal seam gas exploration that includes a ban on mining licences in waterways adjoining national parks and reducing exploration in sensitive areas. http://www.smh.com.au/national/state-election-2011/labor-strikes-green-note-with-ban-on-toxic-chemicals-20110315-1bvwv.html Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/103 Alexandra Smith (SMH) Labors Coal and Coal Seam Gas Plan will not go far enough to restrain the serious threats posed by the rapid expansion of coal and coal seam gas mining it has allowed across the state over the past 16 years, according to the Nature Conservation Council of NSW. "The Coal and Seam Gas Plan is too little, too late for the growing number of communities unwilling to risk their health, natural environment, water supplies and food production for dangerous mining projects," CEO Pepe Clarke said. http://www.nccnsw.org.au/media/labor-coal-and-gas-plan-stretched-seams Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/100 Nature Conservation Council of NSW MAYOR of Greater Taree City, Cr Paul Hogan said coal seam gas mining could have "a terrible effect" on the environment, and should not be permitted in any area where water supplies might be affected. As a delegate to MidCoast Water, he was horrified to learn that MidCoast had not been included in the consultation or preliminary design stage which led to the State governments approval of the initial 110 gas wells earlier this month. http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/approvals-raise-alarm/2103179.aspx Tue, 15 Mar 2011 01:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/99 Manning River Times THE reality of coal seam gas mining has arrived in the Gloucester Valley, and Manning and Great Lakes residents are now faced with a growing threat to their water supply. The State government has approved 110 gas wells in the first stage of AGLs coal seam gas project near Gloucester, with a further 220 proposed in stages 2 and 3. The development, including a local processing centre and a gas pipeline to Hexham linking with the Newcastle-Sydney gas supply network, has sparked outrage in the Gloucester Valley. http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/threat-to-mannings-water-state-government-approves-coal-seam-gas-projects/2103178.aspx Tue, 15 Mar 2011 01:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/98 Helen Manusu (Manning River Times) Hunter residents will encounter a cocktail of health problems including cancer, asthma and heart disease if the coal mining industry continues to expand across the region, a leading researcher has warned. World-renowned health expert Dr Dick van Steenis spoke about the impacts of open cut mining and coal-fired power stations during a public meeting at Maitland Leagues Club yesterday hosted by the Hunter Environment Lobby. "I visited the Hunter Valley 15 months ago and things are getting much worse," Dr van Steenis said. http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/expert-fears-for-hunters-health/2102322.aspx Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:12 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/97 Emma Swain (Maitland Mercury) CONTAMINATION from fraccing chemicals used during coal seam gas (CSG) extraction is a major concern to organic farmers, says Greg Paynter, consultant to Biological Farmers of Australia. Following the revelations of the recent ABC Four Corners program in to current CSG practices, BFA supports the call for a moratorium on CSG mining until a full investigation has been undertaken. http://nqr.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/csg-contamination-major-concern-for-organic-farmers/2099499.aspx?storypage=0 Sat, 12 Mar 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/94 North Queensland Register Gas-fired electricity generation in Australia has its backers but there are many questions remaining. WHEN you boil down the carbon price debate, a big chunk of Australias greenhouse gas emission cuts this decade is meant to come by way of a switch from coal-fired power stations to gas. http://www.smh.com.au/business/australias-electric-dreams-need-to-step-off-the-gas-20110311-1brce.html Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/93 Paddy Manning (SMH) IT was the loudest of four forums on the new NSW coal and gas strategy scoping paper and Minister for Planning Tony Kelly would have no doubt about community concerns. While he has heard plenty about land use conflict, lack of available information and poor communication and mining practices, it was the personal stories that came from the people of Singleton that set the local forum apart. http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/nsw-coal-talks/2100828.aspx Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:25 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/95 Di Sneddon (Singleton Argus) Greg Ray writes in the Herald http://grip.org.au/news/display/96 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:29 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/96 Greg Ray in the Herald THE states peak farming body fears many of the thousands of landholders who have signed secret agreements allowing mining and exploration companies access to their land during the latest resources rush have been given poor deals. http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/mining-deals-may-give-farmers-bum-steer-20110310-1bpsy.html Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/91 Debra Jopson (SMH) The NSW Government has set up an online forum to allow the public to provide input on directions and issues to be addressed in a coal and gas strategy for the state. Minister for Planning, Tony Kelly, said the online forum is at www.nsw.gov.au/shapeyourstate and is part of public consultation on the NSW Coal and Gas Strategy scoping paper, which is on exhibition until April 15. http://southern-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/launch-of-coal-and-gas-online-strategy/ Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:19 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/92 Southern Courier AGL has been given State Government approval for Stage 1 of its gas project, which includes the development of 110 gas wells and associated infrastructure, a central processing facility to treat gas and water and a gas transmission pipeline between Gloucester and Hexham, a $300 million investment in the states gas industry. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/yes-to-gas-project/2096689.aspx Wed, 09 Mar 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/89 Gloucester Advocate In last weeks Advocate, notice was given about a community forum being organised by the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance to address local concerns about the development of AGLs local coal seam gas project. The Alliance is pleased to advise that AGL has now accepted its invitation to participate but the date has been changed to Tuesday March 22 to ensure that senior AGL staff will be in attendance. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/new-date-for-forum/2096691.aspx Wed, 09 Mar 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/90 Gloucester Advocate The Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance described the approval of AGLs coal seam gas project as being a black day for the residents of the Gloucester Valley. "This marks the beginning of the industrialisation of the valley unless something dramatic happens at the state election" said spokesperson Graeme Healy. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/black-day-for-valley/2096690.aspx?storypage=0 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/88 Gloucester Advocate A Gloucester Shire Councillor says a new coal seam gas project in the region will pose risks to the health of the community. AGL has been given the go-ahead to drill 90 coal seam gas wells, a processing centre and pipeline near Gloucester. Gloucester Councillor Julie Lyford says the proposal was passed by the State Government with little community consultation. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/07/3156741.htm Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:47 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/87 ABC News Letter from Warrick Jordan - Campaign Manager, Wilderness Society Newcastle on Coal Seam Gas http://grip.org.au/news/display/85 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 12:40 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/85 Warrick Jordan An Australian gas company has rejected claims a coal seam gas project on the mid north coast poses risks to the communitys health and water supply. The State government has given AGL the go-ahead to drill about 90 coal seam gas wells, a processing centre and pipeline near Gloucester. It is the first stage of a $200 million project. The Greens say the approval was snuck through with little consultation, and that it will threaten the communitys health and the regions water supply. An AGL spokesman says such claims are insulting, because the industry is tightly controlled. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/04/3154846.htm?site=newcastle§ion=news Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:12 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/81 ABC Newcastle Approval of a coal seam gas project at Gloucester has sparked anger amongst local residents. The green light comes just weeks before the government is placed into caretaker mode, leading into the state election. http://taree.iprime.com.au/index.php/news/prime-news/coal-seam-concerns-video Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:57 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/84 Prime7 The State Government must not approve any more Development Applications for gas or coal in the few days remaining before the Governor of NSW issues the Writ for the General Election which places the Government into official Caretaker mode," said Member for Upper Hunter George Souris. http://grip.org.au/news/display/80 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:16 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/80 George Souris The state government approval of almost 90-coal seam gas wells on the mid north coast has raised concerns in the region. The State government has approved the wells, a processing centre and pipeline near Gloucester. Greens MP and mining spokeswoman, Cate Faehrmann, says coal seam gas mining poses huge threats to the communitys health and the water supply. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/03/3153670.htm?site=newcastle Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:27 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/78 ABC Newcastle Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has branded the NSW Labor Governments covert decision to approve AGLs Coal Seam Gas project in Gloucester a disgrace. Mr Duddy said, "This decision has been made in the dying days of a disgraceful government and caps off 16 years of Labor abuse of regional NSW. "The Gloucester Valley is unique with its pristine waters flowing down to Port Stephens. This decision puts the local water supply and sustainable agricultural industries at risk. http://www.timduddy.com/index.php/press-releases Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/79 Tim Duddy THE NSW Farmers Association is extremely concerned none of the chemicals used in a controversial mining process known as fracking have been properly tested. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, involves introducing potentially dangerous chemicals into groundwater systems, with little control or understanding of where they will end up. NSW Farmers Association Mining Chair Fiona Simson says there is an urgent need to better regulate the chemicals used in this process. http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/no-regulation-for-many-csg-chemicals/2091970.aspx Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:14 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/82 The Land Greens MP and mining spokesperson Cate Faehrmann says an approval by the NSW Government for up to 90 coal seam gas wells, processing centre and pipeline near Gloucester has been shrouded in secrecy. "How is it that a very concerned community, who are keeping a close eye on the project, could not have known about this being approved·" said Ms Faehrmann. "It appears the approval determination was not published on the Departments website until yesterday, despite it taking effect on February 22nd http://catefaehrmann.org/2011/03/secret-approval-for-90-wells-as-the-coal-seam-gas-rush-gains-pace-in-nsw/ Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/77 Cate Faehrmann (NSW Greens) The Barrington Gloucester Stroud Preservation Alliance will hold a community forum to address local concerns about the development of AGLs local coal seam gas project. Last year the Alliance organised screenings of the documentary Gasland in Gloucester and Stroud which the Alliance said many found to be deeply shocking and had a profound impact on many in the community. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/gas-forum-for-gloucester/2090298.aspx Wed, 02 Mar 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/76 Gloucester Advocate It has taken years to achieve, but at last a proposal to return a fairer share of mining royalties to the regions that produce the wealth has been proposed by a major party contesting the NSW election. The Liberal-National Coalition has promised that, if elected, it will introduce a "resources for the regions" program under which it will spend $160 million on infrastructure projects in NSW mining communities. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/opinion/editorial/general/coal-and-the-nsw-election/2090031.aspx?storypage=0 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/86 Newcastle Herald Editorial The government has a choice: let mining, climate change and urban sprawl overrun agriculture, or devise a plan to protect the lands that nourish the state. IT is beyond strange for this long-time indigenous affairs reporter to hear a retired Sydney lawyer-turned-farmer complaining that his land rights are being trampled on by a coal seam gas company. http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/state-election-2011/let-them-eat-coal-time-to-talk-about-food-security-20110228-1bbsx.html Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:59 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/83 Debra Jopson (SMH) The executive are extremely concerned about the mounting evidence against coal seam gas and the expansion of coal mining in the valley. We have decided, after much deliberation, that GRIP will continue to focus its actions on stopping GRL from developing a mine in the Gloucester valley, as per its original mandate. However we have also decided to support other organisations in their endeavours to stop further mining of any nature in the Gloucester Shire. http://grip.org.au/news/display/74 Sun, 27 Feb 2011 00:04 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/74 Dianne Montague The people of Gloucester are fighting back against the resources sector increasingly taking over the district, writes Debra Jopson. THE beautiful patch of land near Gloucester, in the north-eastern Hunter, that allowed Ian and Susanna Jackson to flee Sydney rents last year with their two small girls cost just $50,000 12 years ago. http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/rural-peace-under-threat-when-mines-move-in-next-door-20110225-1b8sb.html Sat, 26 Feb 2011 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/73 Debra Jopson (SMH) A mid north coast council is pushing for a tough new approval process for mining exploration licences. The Gloucester Shire Council says the region is attracting strong interest from mining industries. It says it is due to the renewed value of coal and potential to extract coal bed methane gas from the Gloucester Basin. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/25/3148536.htm?site=news Fri, 25 Feb 2011 08:27 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/75 ABC News More than 150 people attended the meeting which was called by the Association to gathering feedback and information from the local community on issues surrounding mining and exploration in the Gloucester basin. Ms Simson said as part of her role with the taskforce her aim was to work for balance. "Its not a matter of farmers versus miners," she said. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/a-call-for-balance-at-taskforce-meeting/2083566.aspx Wed, 23 Feb 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/72 Gloucester Advocate NSW Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann and Greens Candidate for Lismore Susan Stock inspect a coal seam gas exploration drill site in Bentley Northern NSW. http://grip.org.au/news/display/71 Sat, 19 Feb 2011 16:08 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/71 Northern Rivers Greens Article by Matthew Kelly in The Herald that didnt make it online. http://grip.org.au/news/display/70 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:52 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/70 Matthew Kelly (The Herald) THE Coalition would place tougher controls on mine and gas exploration licences, Nationals MP George Souris said. The Upper Hunter MP says an assessment of the cumulative impacts the mining industry has had in the region may mean far fewer licences are issued in the future. "Those (Gloucester Licences) are right up against the town. They are just idiotic, just ridiculous." Mr Souris said. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/breathing-space-offered-in-mining-overview/2078664.aspx?storypage=0 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/69 Michelle Harris and Neil Goffet (The Herald) GLOUCESTER farmers have vowed to fight to save one of the states last remaining repositories of prime agricultural land from being swallowed by mining. Dozens of concerned farmers and community representatives will meet at a NSW Farmers Association mining taskforce meeting in the town today to discuss how mining and farming can coexist. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/farmers-will-fight-to-retain-their-land/2078665.aspx?storypage=0 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/68 The Herald NSW Liberals & Nationals Strategic Regional Land Use Triple bottom line assessment to protect our regions http://grip.org.au/news/display/65 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:04 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/65 Duncan Gay The attached audio is an interview between Jill Emberson of ABC Radio Newcastle and Member for Upper Hunter, Mr George Souris talking about NSW Liberals & Nationals Strategic Regional Land Use Policy. http://grip.org.au/news/display/64 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:17 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/64 GRIP Greens MP and mining spokesperson Cate Faehrmann has welcomed a new Coalition mining policy which allows for agricultural impact statements and better assessment of new exploration licences with a one year moratorium. However, Ms Faehrmann says this will be too little to deal with the mining onslaught that is impacting on communities across NSW. http://nsw.greens.org.au/content/food-security-still-under-threat-mining-nsw-greens Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:03 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/66 NSW Greens EVEN putting aside the question of chemicals, protesters say the practice of hydraulic fracturing - or fraccing - in coal seam gas drilling can have a dramatic impact on water quality. Protesters at a recent gathering of Keerong residents and Northern Rivers Greens members, along with Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann, said one of the chief concerns arose when a drill hole cut through an underground pool of water, or aquifer. http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2011/02/16/fraccing-can-have-dramatic-impact/ Wed, 16 Feb 2011 06:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/67 The Northern Star NSW Farmers Association Public Forum in Gloucester on the 17th February - details opposite. Below are listed several events which we encourage you to attend. You can also join the new National Alliance, Lock The Gate. GRIP is a member and individuals are also encouraged to join. Visit the Lock The Gate website at www.lockthegate.org.au This organisation is a very powerful force to present our views on coal and coal seam gas mining in Australia. http://grip.org.au/news/display/63 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:26 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/63 Di Montague The NSW Farmers Association is calling for fundamental changes to the Governments proposed Coal and Gas Strategy, to ensure the needs of all stakeholders can be addressed into the future. NSW Farmers Association Mining Taskforce Chair Fiona Simson says while farmers welcome a seat at the table of the State Governments stakeholder reference group, the Terms of Reference need further explanation. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/mining-and-food-production-on-the-table/2069710.aspx Wed, 09 Feb 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/62 Gloucester Advocate Independent candidate for the seat of Upper Hunter Tim Duddy officially launched his campaign in Singleton last Monday with a strong turnout. Thirty-three people turned out to hear from Mr Duddy with the crowd keen to quiz him on party politics and preferences. At the top of the list however was industry including mining and the environment. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/duddy-launches-campaign/2063474.aspx Wed, 02 Feb 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/61 Rachel Oldknow (Gloucester Advocate) The Association of Mining Related Councils has been lobbying both the State Government and Opposition to seek support for a return of a percentage of mining royalties to all Local Government areas across NSW. Gloucester Shire Council is a member of the Association and Mayor Geoff Slack is a member of the Executive of the Association. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/council-pushes-for-royalties-to-be-returned-to-regions/2050426.aspx Wed, 19 Jan 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/60 Gloucester Advocate Gloucester mothers concerned about the growing incidence of respiratory problems in their area are campaigning to have air-quality monitors, recently introduced in the Upper Hunter, expanded to cover their town. An arm of the organisation Gloucester Residents in Partnership, the mothers group is also lobbying against further mining development in their town. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/mums-in-clear-call-for-air-monitors/2043464.aspx Tue, 11 Jan 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/58 Donna Sharpe (The Herald) Upper Hunter communities could be subjected to even greater levels of pollution in the next decade due to the continued expansion of the coalmining, a new report says. With coal production predicted to grow at 2per cent a year for the next 20 years, some fear their communities will become uninhabitable. The international best practice study calls for more stringent pollution controls to protect Upper Hunter communities. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/coalmine-growth-threatens-to-choke-villages/2043463.aspx?storypage=0 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/59 Matthew Kelly (The Herald) GLOUCESTER residents want the newly introduced Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network expanded to include their region as mining casts an ever larger shadow over their rural haven. Gloucester Coal has been granted approval to increase production at its Stratford and Duralie mines, with the life of the latter extended by nine years to extract an extra 20 million tonnes of coal. (Lucas Energy is also seeking to drill up to 90 wells for coal seam gas.) http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/something-in-the-hunter-air/2040028.aspx Thu, 06 Jan 2011 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/57 Bronwyn Farr (The Land) Includes letters to and from Gloucester Shire Council http://grip.org.au/news/display/56 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:52 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/56 Di Montague In September 2010, Gloucester Resources Limited (GRL) began drilling on properties at the end of Fairbairns Lane, Forbesdale. The results of this drilling program will be the basis of an application to mine. Under current NSW planning laws, it is almost certain that GRLs application for an open cut mine close to Gloucester will be approved. Approval will move the allowable mining area from the current northern boundary of the Stratford Mine over 5kms Closer to GLOUCESTER - And this is only stage 1 http://grip.org.au/how-close/ Sun, 12 Dec 2010 14:52 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/55 GRIP GRIP, Gloucester Residents in Partnership, has launched a new campaign "How close is too close·" in the lead up to the 2011 state election. The group has letter box dropped the community with a flyer, put up posters questioning how close is too close and is running an advertising campaign in the Gloucester Advocate. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/grip-launches-new-campaign/2008087.aspx Thu, 25 Nov 2010 14:22 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/53 Gloucester Advocate Media release to call on the LABOR Government of Premier Kristina Keneally to SUSPEND all new open cut coal mine developments in order to safeguard community health until the following serious concerns are satisfactorily resolved... http://grip.org.au/news/display/54 Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:28 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/54 Gary Ferris Gloucester residents are accusing the State Government of selling them out for mining dollars. Locals have been vocal in their opposition to any more mines. Yet Minister Ian Macdonald has gone ahead and renewed three mining exploration licenses. http://portmacquarie.iprime.com.au/index.php/news/prime-news/gloucester-residents-accuse-the-state-government-of-selling-them-out-for-mining-dollars-video,152171 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 10:40 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/51 iPrime News Gloucester Shire Council has expressed its disappointment at the renewal of three exploration licences held by Gloucester Resources Ltd. While a spokesman from Gloucester Resources said the company had welcomed the official extension of the exploration licences. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/exploration-licences-renewed/1605083.aspx Fri, 28 Aug 2009 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/48 Gloucester Advocate Gloucesters mayor says shes disappointed but not surprised three coal exploration licences surrounding the town have been renewed. http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2009/08/19/gloucester-exploration-licences-renewed/ Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/47 Channel 9 News THE State Government had again shown itself blinded by coalmining royalties and contemptuous of the views of regional communities, in its renewal of Gloucester Resources mining exploration licences, residents said yesterday. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/community-anger-at-gloucester-resources-licence-renewal/1598377.aspx Tue, 18 Aug 2009 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/49 Michelle Harris & Ingrid Bown - The Herald THE state Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, who has been dubbed Sir Lunchalot over the wine council controversy, has been accused of doing more favours for mates after he approved a coal mining exploration licence for a mine run by a former union boss, John Maitland. http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/political/sir-lunchalot-in-more-hot-water-over-mining-grant/1572041.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:57 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/50 Andrew Clenell - The Land The Chinese Government-owned mining company, China Shenhua Energy, is reportedly offering to buy farming properties in the Watermark area of the Liverpool Plains at prices up to 300 per cent above current land values. http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/china-swoops-on-coal/1543566.aspx Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/44 Alan Dick - The Land DESPITE the defeat of the bill introduced in NSW Parliament last week aimed to protect high quality farmland from the effects of mining, farmers in the Gloucester and Hunter regions have vowed to continue the fight. http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/antimine-fight-continues/1541571.aspx Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:39 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/52 Manning Times A conservative voter backlash is set to hit The Shooters Party and prominent Christian Democrat, Reverend Fred Nile, after legislation to protect fertile farmland from mining was narrowly voted down in State Parliament. http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/political/shooters-vote-under-fire/1537212.aspx Fri, 12 Jun 2009 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/43 Phil Thomson - The Land The New South Wales Greens say that they are glad Coalition MPs are now on the record as having supported a ban on coal mining on prime agricultural land. The bill was defeated yesterday in the Upper House, by just one vote. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/05/2590023.htm Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:23 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/45 ABC News ANGRY Gloucester farmers rallied outside State Parliament yesterday, demanding that the Government protect rich agricultural land from the effects of mining. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-farmers-protest-mining-plans/1532399.aspx Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/46 Julieanne Strachan - State Political Reporter - The Herald Farmers angry that prime agricultural land is being "sacrificed" to mining have been told by NSW Premier Nathan Rees the latter industry is economically more important. http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/821688/farmers-rally-outside-nsw-parliament Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:03 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/41 Josh Jerga - Channel Nine News The Greens in NSW are putting forward a bill in the State Parliament to stop coal mining on prime agricultural land. More than 200 producers (including farmers from Gloucester and the Liverpool Plains) attended a protest outside parliament house in Sydney this morning, claiming the State Government doesnt care about Australias food bowl. http://www.abc.net.au/news/audio/2009/06/04/2589230.htm Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:46 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/37 Peter Cave ABC News - The World Today Government MPs, the Shooters Party and Rev Fred Nile today indicated they will vote against a Greens bill in the NSW Upper House designed to protect prime agricultural land from mining. Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said farming communities from the Gloucester and Liverpool Plains regions would be understandably disappointed at the outcome. http://lee.greens.org.au/index.php/content/view/2932/50/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/42 NSW Greens Angry farmers will march on NSW Parliament tomorrow morning to protest for changes to the State Governments laws governing mining access to farmland. http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/farmers-rally-against-mining-at-parliament-house/1530919.aspx Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:53 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/39 The Land The NSW Farmers Association is throwing its support behind the Mining Amendment (Safeguarding Agricultural Land and Water) Bill which is due to be debated in NSW Parliament on Thursday. http://www.getfarming.com.au/pages/farming/news_view.php?nId=9060045 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/40 Get Farming Australia Squeezed by the coal explosion, valley farmers are finding it harder to stay on the land. Debra Jopson reports. http://business.smh.com.au/business/the-hunter--a-peephole-to-future-of-others-20090529-bqa6.html Sat, 30 May 2009 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/36 Debra Jopson - Sydney Morning Herald Out on the Liverpool Plains, coal and gas companies are caught in a groundswell of agrarian revolution, writes Marian Wilkinson. http://business.smh.com.au/business/miners-reap-ill-winds-20090529-bqa7.html Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/34 Marian Wilkinson - Sydney Morning Herald Gloucester Residents in Partnership (GRIP) president Gary Ferris said his one hour meeting with Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald regarding three coal exploration licences held by Gloucester Resources provided his organization with more information than has been made available to the community through the entire community consultation process. http://gloucester.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/minister-fills-in-mine-plan-gaps/1492234.aspx Wed, 22 Apr 2009 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/35 Gloucester Advocate The Gloucester district is a tranquil and unique landscape rich in natural and cultural diversity and heritage, and the damage associated with these proposed activities could have dire consequences for the established community, natural landscape and local industry," Mr Baldwin said. http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/local-members-stand-welcomed/1461379.aspx?storypage=2 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 03:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/38 Gloucester Advocate A decision on whether three exploration licences in New South Wales near Gloucester will be renewed has not yet been reached. http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/200903/s2514390.htm Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/31 ABC Rural Member for Upper Hunter George Souris has tabled a petition in State Parliament calling for coal exploration licences 6523, 6524 and 6563 to be revoked. http://gloucester.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/petition-to-pollies/1455072.aspx Wed, 11 Mar 2009 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/32 Gloucester Advocate Coal 4 Breakfast· Its a question and a statement all in one, and a catchcry many Queensland farmers hope the States city consumers will consider in the run-up to the March 21 State election. http://qcl.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/memo-to-bligh-mining-off-the-menu/1451428.aspx?storypage=0 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:47 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/30 Melissa Martin - Queensland Country Life SINGLETON Council and fellow members of the D Division of the Shires Association have thrown their support behind communities that are under threat from encroaching mining operations. http://singleton.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/support-for-those-under-threat-of-mines/1439618.aspx?src=rss Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:16 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/26 Singleton Argus NSW Minister for Mineral Resources Ian Macdonald has promised to meet with GRIP, Gloucester Residents in Partnership, after more than 1000 people rallied at a community meeting last Monday to call for three licences 6523, 6524 and 6563 held by Gloucester Resources Ltd not to be renewed. http://gloucester.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/minister-pledges-to-meet-with-action-group/1435988.aspx Wed, 18 Feb 2009 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/29 Gloucester Advocate Theres increased urgency about ramping up the simmering mining versus agriculture debate, with a Queensland state election in the offing. Thats about to start a debate of national interest - especially in NSW and WA, where the same issue has been simmering, too. http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/nationalrural/agribusiness-and-general/general/farmers-dig-in-on-mining-vs-farming-debate/1431303.aspx?order=1 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:26 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/28 Graham Fuller - The Land THE CAROONA Coal Action Group is supporting the Gloucester community in its fight to stop exploratory drilling. http://www.drillblast.com.au/Article/Community-groups-band-together-to-fight-exploratory-drilling/437969.aspx Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/27 Drill & Blast "Youve got to be the biggest pain in the arse on their (state politicians) to do list." A blunt message from the Caroona Action Groups Pauline Roberts to the 1000 strong crowd at a rally in Gloucester on Monday night on making the state government aware of the depth of opposition to any renewal of the coal exploration licences that surround the township. http://gloucester.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/be-vocal-be-active/1429531.aspx Wed, 11 Feb 2009 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/7 Gloucester Advocate A community action group on the New South Wales north-west slopes fighting the State Government over exploratory drilling on prime agricultural land is lending its support to another region facing a similar threat. http://www.abc.net.au/rural/resource/stories/s2488828.htm Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/21 Kim Honan - ABC Rural GLOUCESTER residents are fighting the New South Wales Governments decision to approve Gloucester Resources mining licences. http://www.miningcoal.com.au/Article/Gloucester-residents-fight-approved-mining-licenses/437610.aspx Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:38 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/22 Coal Mining Up to 1,000 Hunter Valley residents have united in their fight against coal mining in the Barrington Tops, north of Newcastle. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/10/2486968.htm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:40 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/17 ABC News Over 800 people rallied in Gloucester on the New South Wales mid-north coast on Monday night to voice their concerns over the future of mining in the region. http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/200902/s2487276.htm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/9 ABC Rural ABC news reported that up to 1,000 people are expected to attend an anti coal mining rally in the Hunter Valley town of Gloucester tonight. http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/02/10/ODE5OTg%3D/Gloucester_rally_to_protest_coal_license_renewal.html Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/33 Steel Guru A show of people power has put the state government on notice over three mining exploration leases up for renewal at Gloucester. http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2009/02/10/gloucester-says-no-thanks-to-coal-exploration/ Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/19 P Evans (NBN News Online) Up to 1,000 people are expected to attend an anti-coal mining rally in the Hunter Valley town of Gloucester tonight. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/09/2486245.htm Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:09 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/18 ABC News GLOUCESTER Coal (GLC) has come under attack from Barrington Tops residents for its major mine expansion plan. The company says it wants to extract up to $275m tonnes of additional coal despite its promise top residents the development would be a small, boutique mine. http://www.miningcoal.com.au/Article/Angry-residents-tell-GLC-it-s-not-yours-it-s-mine/436886.aspx Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:39 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/23 Coal Mining More than 100 people braved Saturdays 40 degree heat to attend the launch of a petition to be presented to state parliament calling for three coal exploration licences held by Gloucester Resources Ltd to be revoked. http://gloucester.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/a-united-front/1417172.aspx Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/1 Gloucester Advocate NSW Minister for Mineral Resources Ian Macdonald has told Gloucester Shire Council he is likely to renew mining exploration licences despite concerns they could jeopardise the areas economy. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/exploration-licences-set-for-renewal/1412362.aspx Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:53 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/10 The Herald A delegation from Gloucester Shire Council met with Primary Industries minister Ian Macdonald yesterday in a bid to have exploration licences that surround the township of Gloucester revoked. http://gloucester.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/fight-against-coal-exploration-steps-up-feb-9-rally/1411542.aspx?storypage=0 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/3 Gloucester Advocate THE NSW Mineral Resources Minister is expected to reject pleas that mining exploration licence renewals will be damaging to the Gloucester shire when he meets with a delegation in January 2009. http://www.miningcoal.com.au/Article/Exploration-licences-questioned-by-Gloucester-residents/435298.aspx Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:42 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/24 Coal Mining The Gloucester Mayor will meet the Mineral Resources Minister tomorrow, urging the New South Wales Government not to renew the exploration licences of a local coal mine. http://abc.com.au/news/stories/2009/01/19/2468809.htm Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:23 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/16 ABC News MINERAL Resources Minister Ian Macdonald appears ready to reject pleas by Gloucester residents that he refuse to renew mining exploration licences surrounding the scenic Hunter town. http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/mission-to-minister-over-gloucester-mining/1409377.aspx Sat, 17 Jan 2009 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/8 Frances Thompson (The Herald) RESIDENTS of the Gloucester Shire have rallied together to contest a drilling program by Gloucester Coal (GCL) in NSW. GCL is set to commence a drilling program to tap into hidden coal reserves in the Gloucester Shire, and recently purchased land covering nearly 2,500 acres to support the project. http://www.miningcoal.com.au/Article/Gloucester-Shire-residents-contest-NSW-coal-project/435134.aspx Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:43 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/25 Coal Mining GLOUCESTER residents have stepped up their fight to stop further coal exploration coming within a few hundred metres of the picturesque town, forming an action group on Monday. http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/miner-aims-too-close-to-gloucester/1407173.aspx Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/4 Cassandra Hough (The Land) More than 250 people crammed into the Gloucester Shire Council chambers for a hastily called public meeting on December 22 after news of land purchases and the start of a drilling program by coal exploration licence holder Gloucester Resources. http://paguntaka.org/2009/01/14/coal-mine-exploration-project-in-gloucester-resources/ Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/6 Mining Exploration News More than 250 people crammed into the Gloucester Shire Council chambers for a hastily called public meeting on December 22 after news of land purchases and the start of a drilling program by coal exploration licence holder Gloucester Resources. http://gloucester.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/working-group-formed-to-consider-mining-issues/1405830.aspx Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/11 Gloucester Advocate It is reported that the Gloucester council is stepping up efforts to stop a proposed open cut coal mine in the town, with news that a mining company recently purchased 5 local farming properties. http://steelguru.com/news/index/2008/12/29/NzY4Mzg%3D/Gloucester_Council_step_ups_coal_mine_resistance.html Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/15 Steel Guru New Delhi, Dec 17: International Coal Ventures Ltd (ICVL), a special purpose vehicle formed by leading PSUs SAIL, RINL, NMDC, NTPC and CIL to scout coal properties abroad, is keen to pick up stakes in nearly 10 mining firms in Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Africa and Mozambique. http://www.zeenews.com/business/companies-commodities/2008-12-17/491676news.html Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/14 Zee News - Indian Edition International Coal Ventures (ICVL), a special purpose vehicle formed by five leading PSUs to scout for coal properties abroad, is eyeing equity stake in an Australian mining firm, SAIL chairman S K Roongta said on Monday. http://www.mydigitalfc.com/sectoral-watch/icvl-eyeing-stake-australian-mining-firm-271 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/13 PTI - Financial Chronicle (India) NEW DELHI: International Coal Ventures (ICVL), the special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed by five large public sector units for scouting coal properties abroad, is set to make its first major acquisition in Australia. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Indl_Goods__Svs/Metals__Mining/Coal_SPV_eyes_10_in_Australian_miner/articleshow/3679041.cms Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:43 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/12 Subhash Narayan, ET Bureau (Economic Times - India Times) Chairman of the Gloucester Community Consultation Committee Terrence Healey has released the details of an interim report to the committee from coal exploration licence holder Gloucester Resources Ltd (GRL). http://gloucester.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/gloucester-resources-interim-findings-released/1273696.aspx Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/2 Gloucester Advocate Famers and environmentalists have united at Stroud to protest plans by a local coal mine to dump its waste water into local waterways. http://gloucester.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/farmers-and-greens-unite-over-mine-waste-threat/1248148.aspx?storypage=0 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:00 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/5 Gloucester Advocate "Im a miner and I come in peace". These are the words of Gunnedah Resources managing director Brian Wingett, whose company has lodged three mining exploration licence applications with the Department of Mineral Resources covering the Gloucester Basin. http://gloucester.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/mining-company-promises-community-consultation/309144.aspx Wed, 25 Jan 2006 14:20 +1000 http://grip.org.au/news/display/20 Gloucester Advocate