Alliance spokesman Graeme Healey said following the AGL decision to defer exploration drilling south of Gloucester and the removal of equipment, a decision was taken to end the blockade.

“Now that equipment is being withdrawn and the site vacated, there is no longer a need to maintain the blockade” Mr Healy.

Blockaders celebrated the end of the blockade with a party on Saturday night and the blockade was pulled down on Sunday.

“It is expected that site stabilisation will take a couple of days to complete and this work will be done under the watchful eyes of Alliance observers.”

“While we are happy that AGL has publicly committed to defer its exploration drilling program until after the outcome of a court challenge and further water studies, the company has not yet agreed to the independent water study demanded by the community.”

“AGL has agreed to enter into negotiations with the Alliance over the terms of a water study but we are adamant that it needs to be fully independent to have credibility. We are not going to accept another round of hollow community consultation.”

“This action has been aimed at AGL. We have attempted to minimise inconvenience to local businesses and landholders. We deeply regret any inconvenience or loss suffered as a result of this action. Landholders have long been calling for an independent hydrogeological study of the entire Gloucester Basin. This has fallen on deaf ears and people felt they had no option but to take direct action.”

“We expect to commence discussions with AGL in the new year.”

An AGL spokesman said AGL believes this is a good result for the ongoing community consultation process and demonstrates that community feedback is a valuable part of how we make decisions. “We are committed to continuing to engage with the community of Gloucester about our activities,” the spokesman said.