Labor to fight coal seam gas
LABOR candidates running in the upcoming Tweed Shire Council elections have pledged to back a moratorium on coal seam gas mining in the region.
Lead candidate Michael Armstrong said he wanted to see evidence that the practice was safe before it was allowed to proceed.
Mr Armstrong said that, if elected, Labor would seek a moratorium on CSG mining activity on or near council owned or operated land.
"I share the views of many locals who are seriously concerned about the impact Coal Seam Gas mining may have on our environment," Mr Armstrong said.
"We need to protect the Tweed from the unnecessary risk posed by the Coal Seam Gas mining industry.
"We need to protect our pristine environments and our local farmland. We have an obligation to maintain the Tweed for generations to come."
Fellow Labor candidate Reece Byrnes called on all other candidates to come clean about their stance on Coal Seam Gas mining in the Shire.
"For too long we have been hearing contradictory positions from some in the community," Mr Byrnes said.
"Everyone standing for election to Council this year should come clean and tell the community whether they want to sell out locals for a quick buck or whether they want to protect our land and our water for future generations to enjoy."
The Tweed Shire Council elections will be held in September.
