PROTESTERS have continued their action against coal seam gas and coal mine development in the State’s northwest.
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Around thirty people gathered to demonstrate against Santos’ CSG plans in the Pilliga Sate Forest, while the number camped outside Whitehaven’s Maules Creek mine has swelled to 100.
Local development and technology consultant Rohan Boehm said amongst environmental concerns, residents are concerned that the local benefits of the gasfield will be minimal.
"As we can see already, the vast majority of gas workers will be fly in fly out and local employment rates will be low," he said.
Santos said spokeswoman Deena McMullen said Santos respects the right to protest, but points out the company has received all necessary regulatory approvals to carry out the current work program.
“Santos currently has 200 employees and contractors working locally to support our work program,” Ms McMullen said.
Protests have continued on and off for two months at Maules Creek, with up to 120 people attempting to blockade access to the site.
Amongst the protesters today was a legally blind 91-year old Kokoda veteran, Bill Ryan.
So far, police have made 25 arrests at the site.
Protest spokeswoman Georgina Woods said despite Narrabri Shire Council resolving yesterday to give notice and issue fines for camping on public land, action would continue.
“We will remain in the area. We will find a way to continue to disrupt Whitehaven’s action,” she said.
The Gomeroi Elders and community members are demanding Environment Minister Greg Hunt declares an emergency Section 9 temporary protection stay of works until their application for permanent protection can be appropriately determined.
“This protest has now escalated and we are still waiting for Greg Hunt to respond to our questions over the validity of the mine’s approval,” Ms Woods said.
A Whitehaven spokesman said Maules Creek “has passed the highest contemporary environmental approvals standards” and protests will not deter it from “getting on with building Maules Creek and delivering on the substantial economic benefits it will bring to the region.”
