Wagga discusses CSG

The session was convened with the intention of informing landholders of their rights when it comes to the possibility of their land being covered by a CSG exploration licence.

TRRA secretary Barbara Johnston, "Lauderdale", Currawarna, said two themes emerged from questions from the floor, the first being the lack of trust among landholders of the CSG industry, and the second being the unknowns that surround the long-term safety of the industry.

"The take-home message on the night was to gather as much information as possible on the issue," she said.

NSW Member for Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire said the dialogue that took place was important.

"Agriculture is important to our region and important to our State, and I want to see good sensible science applied to this issue," Mr Maguire said.

While admitting the government had a challenge to get the balance right on this issue due to community pressure to attract investment, he said he was "concerned about what effects this industry might have on future generations".

NSW Farmers policy director - environment Danica Leys said her organisation would like to see more policy action on the issue.

"We, as an organisation, are not against the industry, but there needs to be appropriate checks and balances in place as well as a policy framework that protects agricultural land and water," Ms Leys said.

"We don't think that has been del- ivered as yet and we are continuing to push for improvements in this regard."

Local landholder David Meiklejohn, "Talavera", Downside, said it was good to learn more about the issue.

"In Wagga we tend to think CSG is a northern issue rather than a southern one and as a result, people in this area are not aware of its potential consequences," Mr Meiklejohn said.