A STUDY highlighting the psycho-social health impacts of coal seam gas extraction in the valley has been endorsed by council.
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Associate Professor Melissa Haswell-Elkins from the University of NSW wrote to council last month seeking in-principle support to conduct a study on the psycho-social experiences associated with preparations for coal seam gas extraction in the valley among local residents.
Professor Haswell-Elkins has twice travelled to Gloucester to speak about the potential impacts of extractive resources industries on psycho-social health.
She said she was now keen to hear from residents about their experiences with the view of compiling a survey for all Gloucester locals to participate in.
“We want to understand the range experiences residents have been or are going through,” Professor Haswell-Elkins said.
“From there we hope to put together a survey for all residents to participate in.
“The more survey participants the better and the more accurate any findings might be.”
Professor Haswell-Elkins is an expert in Aboriginal and environmental health, specifically psycho-social issues.
She said little research on the impacts of coal seam gas extraction on psycho-social health had been done in Australia.
Professor Haswell-Elkins said the intention was to collect data from residents and have any subsequent findings published and peer reviewed.