Coal Seam Gas & mobilising a community

I have finally moved into my tiny abode and enormous garden block in South Gippsland, with a view of living cheaply, growing lots of veggies and quietly painting. A tiny cottage on a large block of land by the sea is all I need to live sustainably. 

No sooner had I arrived than I discovered the beautiful rolling green hills of Gippsland Victoria have CSG mining exploration licences slapped all over them. I was whisked off to a few dramatic community meetings to hear the horrors experienced by Queensland and NSW farmers, and the outrageous claims from the USA of serious illness and poisoned water with no regard to its citizens. 

I have found myself in the thick of it! Just as the bushfires in Marysville drew the community together, this issue it seems is having a similar effect. As people become aware of the sinister nature of this highly toxic industry, the more vocal and united they are becoming. I have met the most wonderful people in the community as a result of this debacle. It is heartening to see a community that is so strong, and empowered in standing up for their rights, for their children, the land and our water.

I am certain that CSG won't happen in South Gippsland, firstly because of this united voice that I am witnessing, but also because I believe if enough people vision it not to be, it won't happen. As a result of this onslaught on communities and environment however, I am convinced there will be some really positive outcomes, such as a complete rewrite of the Victorian Mining Act, which currently gives the most outrageous privileges to the coal and gas industry and is very weak on ecological impact study requirements, but also it will usher in a new dawn for this state, embracing wind, solar and tidal power. Let's dream it together! Keep positive, and stay united. 

More information can be found on the www.lockthegategippsland.com website