The Division of Resources and Energy (DRE) says an on-ground presence in Gloucester will assist in providing information to the public about current and proposed exploration and mining activities in the region.

A DRE representative spoke at the recent meeting of the Gloucester Shire Council extractive industries working group and outlined the State government’s desire to establish a presence in town. 

Council’s manager of Planning and Environment Graham Gardener said the service provider was keen to work with DRE on a review of community consultative committees and documenting strategic land issues relevant to extractive industries.

Members of the working group have raised reservations about the presence of the DRE in Gloucester, claiming the move would likely facilitate development of resources in the valley in an attempt to increase community acceptance. 

But a spokeswoman for DRE said the appointment of a community project officer in Gloucester would be to provide more information on the resources industry.

“The DRE has appointed a community project officer to assist the community access information from relevant agencies involved in coal and petroleum activity,” the spokeswoman said.

“The community project officer is working closely with the Land and Water Commissioner and the Office of Coal Seam Gas.

“Community members can reach the community project officer via phone, email or face to face meetings in Gloucester.

“The project will provide information about government decision making processes and project activity; it is not designed to influence those decisions.

“The project will (also) provide an important opportunity for government agencies to improve stakeholder communications.”