THE threat to the Manning River and its immediate residents was discussed during a public meeting at Taree on last week (Tuesday, September 2).
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Members of the Manning Clean Water Action Group (MCWAG) and other community members united to voice their concerns about the impacts of AGL's potential fracking for coal seam gas in the Manning River catchment as early as next month.
MCWAG's "Urgent Meeting to Stop AGL" was attended by 130 people at Taree's Manning Uniting Church Hall. The evening's principal speakers were former Gloucester mayor and chair of Groundswell Gloucester Julie Lyford, Hunter co-ordinator for Lock the Gate Steve Phillips, MCWAG president Chris Sheed, Bruce Robertson and Terry Stanton.
Julie Lyford spoke of what she labelled "collusion" between the State government and AGL that has facilitated the company in being able to frack four wells at Waukivory without an Environmental Impact Statement.
She also spoke of how Gloucester Groundswell's comprehensive and scientific rebuttals of AGL's claims had been totally ignored by the State government.
Steve Phillips spoke about the growing community awareness of the hazards of coal seam gas and the rapidly mounting community opposition and the power that lies in the hands of people, noting that gas companies in parts of NSW had been chased out by people power alone.
Bruce Robertson addressed the "absurd contradiction" between Australia claiming it will soon become the 'world's biggest gas producer' whilst trying to mislead NSW residents into believing there is a 'gas shortage'.
Manning Clean Water Action Group president Chris Sheed said the timing of the meeting was crucial in the wake of the potential threat to the Manning River.
"It was an urgent meeting because the fracking is imminent," he said.
"And because of this there was an absolute sense of urgency at the meeting."
Mr Sheed said the meeting attracted members from many facets of the Manning Valley community.
"It's certainly not a bunch of greeny tree huggers, there was a lot of people from throughout the community in attendance," he said.
Mr Sheed said the community had seen the ill effects of gas seam mining in Queensland and did not want the same fate.
All in attendance were encouraged to SMS their name and phone number to 0455 300 325 to be kept informed of Glou cester actions.
