Groups join coal seam gas fight

ENVIRONMENTAL and farming lobby groups have formed an unexpected united front in the hopes of stopping the introduction of coal seam gas mining in Tweed.

The Northern Rivers Guardians (NRG) and Tweed Combined Rural Industries Association (TCRIA) are working together to raise awareness of the negative effects related to the mining activity on the agricultural and tourism industries, as well as public health.

NRG spokesperson, Michael McNamara, said the collaboration was necessary, despite pastdifferences.

“It says a great deal about the importance of this issue in Tweed,” Mr McNamara said.

Col Brooks, spokesperson from TCRIA said the issue is of great importance to the Tweed community.

“We have to stand together as a community or we have no hope of developing as we should,” Mr Brooks said.

“Rural enterprises need to be assured of good quality water or they are doomed.

“Recent initiatives in agriculture and tourism will also feel the effects from coal seam mining.”

Both groups have called on the support of Tweed Shire councillors to addressall concerns relating to this issue.