Gloucester landholders and residents launched a blockade to stop coal seam gas company AGL from putting a drill rig into place.
The blockade is at the intersection of Jacks Road and Maslens Lane, Gloucester.
“AGL’s 330 well coal seam gas project was approved in the last days of the previous government despite the fact that no independent study of groundwater hydrology had been undertaken” Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance spokesman Graeme Healy said.
“The Gloucester-Stroud Valley is particularly vulnerable to environmental damage by gas extraction because its complex pattern of geological faults and shears creates an exceptionally high risk of gas migration and water table damage.”
“There are inquiries into coal seam gas extraction at both a state and federal level and increasing calls for caution from independent experts. And yet, here in Gloucester it is still ‘full steam ahead’."
“We are blockading the road to stop AGL from bringing in its drill rig and will maintain the blockade until the company agrees to defer further drilling until a fully independent study of the groundwater hydrology of the basin is completed.”
“We have asked AGL to put the drilling on hold but they are determined to start drilling pilot production wells, despite local opposition.”
“The Gloucester-Stroud Valley’s life depends on agriculture, tourism and life-style settlement. We are deeply concerned that the proposed industrialisation of the valley will seriously harm or destroy its life-style and its economic base.”
“The Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance has launched an appeal in the Land and Environment Court against AGL’s plans for a gas-field in the Gloucester-Stroud Valley. We expect a decision will be handed down in the New Year.”
“The Gloucester Valley is too precious to ruin for the sake of AGL’s short-term profits”, Mr Healy said.
A comment is being sought from AGL.
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