Bentley a win for 'people power'

A decision from the Office of Coal Seam Gas (OCSG) on whether or not the company's licence to drill the Rosella site is yet to be handed down but Metgasco has decided that regardless, it will cut its losses and leave the site "in the near term".

Metgasco has also engaged legal counsel to investigate the suspension of its Rosella drilling licence.

The company advised shareholders it had made an "extensive submission" to the OCSG last Thursday, “demonstrating the company had fully complied with licence conditions relating to community consultation".

Up to 3000 people set up camp at the site to protest the mining activity - some have been there since January.

They say their success at Bentley will pave the way for other NSW communities fighting to keep the gas industry out.

As tents were pulled down yesterday, 'campfire talks' were continuing with a call for action at other mining sites around the State the main topic.

Last week Metgasco had its drilling licence suspended by NSW Resources and Energy Minister Anthony Roberts and the Sydney-based company was referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) for inadequate community consultation.

Lock the Gate president Drew Hutton said plans to drill for gas at Bentley, near Lismore, had "galvanised the community".

"(It has) brought people together from across the region in an unprecedented blockade to protect the region from invasive gasfields," Mr Hutton said.

"We offer our warm and heartfelt congratulations to the people of the Northern Rivers for this incredible people’s victory."

The Nature Conservation Council of NSW then called on the NSW government to cancel Metgasco’s gas exploration licence at Bentley permanently.