Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea “planted his stake in the ground” on the controversial issue of Coal Seam Gas (CSG) over the weekend.
Mr O’Dea addressed a forum called by the Stop CSG Sydney Water Catchment Association and the Stop CSG Illawarra and Sydney organisation at St Ives with guest speaker, broadcaster Alan Jones. He attended as the local MP covering the St Ives area.
Mr O’Dea said, “There needs to be appropriate balance when it comes to mining in all its forms, including for the extraction of CSG. Prime agricultural land and water aquifers must be protected. However, where CSG can be safely accessed, then why should we not do so for the economic benefit of our state and its people?”
“NSW Labor’s lack of due diligence in the area of coal seam gas was appalling and left the incoming Government a difficult legacy. However, over the past two years the Government has worked through the process to deliver the most stringent requirements in Australia as part of a cautious approach.”
Mr O’Dea said, “The debate over CSG understandably carries with it a degree of emotion. It is clear more scientific work needs to be undertaken to separate fear from fact. The recent initial report from the Chief Scientist and Engineer in NSW, Professor Mary O’Kane is a great step in the right direction”.
In an effort to establish the CSG debate on a sound footing, the NSW Government directed Professor O’Kane to conduct an independent review of coal seam gas activities across NSW. This work is continuing following the recent release of her initial report in July.
Mr O’Dea concluded, “I would encourage those with an interest in the CSG debate to read Professor O’Kane’s initial report and recommendations, which can be found at:
http://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/coal-seam-gas-review/initial-report-july-2013.”
