To read AGL's response to the buy-back, click here.

With standing room only, council's monthly meeting on Wednesday November 18 was conducted before a packed gallery, as residents and business owners made presentations to the councillors in the lead up to the vote, brought on by mayor John Rosenbaum. 

Cr Rosenbaum, responding to the suicide of Chinchilla's anti-coal seam gas farmer George Bender, had cited the 'damage done to the social fabric of Gloucester's community and surrounding mental health issues and trust' in his motion to request the state government include Gloucester in its PEL buy-back scheme. 

“I do not want the responsibility of a decision where a tragedy could occur for the sake of some financial decisions,” he wrote in his motion.

But one resident likened Cr Rosenbaum's request akin to "using an axe to kill a flea." 

"The buy-back would quash any opportunity to grow the town and related growth businesses. Who will kick-start the industrial area? It's not going to be tourism and agriculture," Peter Markey said. 

Referring to the argument surrounding the impact on mental health, he said that many more suicides would be bought on by business failure.

The argument was backed further by the Business Chamber’s Yvonne Reynolds, who became emotional whilst reading a statement by an anonymous member who had ‘fought the black hold of depression’ brought on by the lack of growth for businesses.

“I was in the process of putting my affairs in order in preparation of taking my own life, when I came upon the Beyond Blue bus. I’ve been having treatment for 12 months. I’m still not well, but I’m still here... My business relies on growth and AGL might end up responsible for saving my life.”

Then it was Dominique Jacobs' turn, who asked how would it feel to have your life irreversibly changed just to make someone else even wealthier?

“What is the worth of a job?” she asked.

Groundswell Gloucester’s Julie Lyford OAM then got up and spoke on behalf of her husband and herself, citing her own depression brought on by lies about her alleged affairs, anonymous cruel letters, police warnings (based on facebook chatter) to check the nuts and bolts of her car.

“What have we come to?” she asked.

“AGL need to leave a positive legacy. By leaving... Or else sort out a solar farm and renewables here – we would welcome it.”

And so the statements continued, citing closed door government and industry agreements and processes, the loss of community, depression, stress, real estate write-downs and Gloucester becoming collateral damage. Last to speak was business chamber member Stuart Redman.

“What have you done Mr Mayor,” he said.

“You have opened a pandora's box on mental health. With the greatest respect, I don’t think you are qualified to make that call... If the project goes ahead, there’s a danger. If it doesn’t, there’s a danger... I’m sorry you opened that box Mr Mayor, because I don’t know how you’re going to close it”.

The only opinion that appeared to be unanimous in the room was the belief that Gloucester had become the government’s test case for coal seam gas. During the round of applause that accompanied the 6-1 vote in favour of Cr Rosenbaum’s motion, a voice could be heard calling out.

“You will have blood on your hands Mr Mayor,” said Mr Redman . “I am petrified you will.”

But for Cr Rosenbaum, the answer for growth for the region does not reside with AGL. After the meeting, he said his conscience is clear. 

"We have a plaque at home which says 'hope, faith, and love'. Love is the greatest thing - that says it all really."

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Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham has welcomed Gloucester Council's decision.

“The uncertainty, stress and division that coal seam gas has brought to the town and valley of Gloucester is having a big impact on the community and I respect Gloucester Council for looking out for their residents,” he said.

“It is time to end the farce of coal seam gas in NSW and for the government to act to provide certainty for the communities of Gloucester, Narrabri and Fullerton Cove.   

“It’s clear the world is moving towards renewable energy, so the idea of expanding fossil fuels at this point in time is a foolish one.  I believe the new management at AGL are coming to that conclusion.”