A blunt message from the Caroona Action Group’s Pauline Roberts to the 1000 strong crowd at a rally in Gloucester on Monday night on making the state government aware of the depth of opposition to any renewal of the coal exploration licences that surround the township.

The rally was called by GRIP, Gloucester Residents in Partnership, in a bid to harness community support calling for the three licences 6523, 6524 and 6563 held by Gloucester Resources Ltd to not be renewed and ultimately permanently revoked.

Ms Roberts said the way for a community to get action from the state government and to push for a change in government thinking was to be vocal and to be active.

She said the fight occurring on the Liverpool Plains, and in Gloucester is one that is being fought by rural communities along the Eastern seaboard.

“It’s a democracy and we need to stand up for our rights,” she said.

She urged everyone present to make their voice heard.

“Write, go and see them (members of parliament), they are terrified of you,” she said.

“We have to get food and water security on the radar,” Ms Roberts said.

“You can’t have your coal and eat it too,” she said.

GRIP president Gary Ferris said his vision was for a future in Gloucester that focused on balanced development.

“It should involve sensible sustained development.”

He said it was the diversity of Gloucester’s industries, from agriculture, to tourism to its existing mining operation, that make the community special and give it untold potential.

Mr Ferris said the exploration licences held by Gloucester Resources Ltd and current exploration activity were causing widespread community concern.

“The warning bells are ringing for this community,” he said.

Mr Ferris said Gloucester needs to be protected and he urged those present to unite.

“It’s time to rise up as one. The government is not listening to us, we need to make them listen.

“We need to take control and determine our future. Don’t leave it up to others,” he said.

He said the members of GRIP had one aim.

“We seek to secure the land around our town forever,” Mr Ferris said.

Mayor Julie Lyford urged the community to remain united.

“Peace, strength in unity, focus. That’s what we need,” she said.

Those attending the rally voted unanimously to support Gloucester Shire Council’s position to call on state government to revoke the three exploration licences 6523, 6524 and 6563 held by Gloucester Resources Ltd.

Gloucetser Resources Managing Director Brian Wingett had been invited to address Monday night’s meeting but did not attend.