The Fault Line 5
Date: 10-Dec-08
Author: Sean Gough
Letter to Minister
Acting on behalf of WAGE, the Environmental Defender's Office has written to the Minister of Primary Industries identifying various defects and omissions found in the Review of Environmental Factors that was submitted by Sydney Gas with their application to drill in the Wollombi Valley and elsewhere.
Specifically, the letter refers to the following serious issues that were either not properly detailed or entirely omitted: Flood Risk, Heritage Values (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous) with particular reference to Mulla Villa in terms of the proposed drill site, risks to Groundwater and Hydrogeology, Bushfire, Surrounding Land Use with particular reference to Tourism and Local Residents.
As a result of the scant detail provided by Sydney Gas, we believe the Minister did not properly consider these critical details before granting the permit for Sydney Gas to drill core holes. The correspondence continues and we are now asking for further information from the Minister.
Sydney Gas News
Sydney Gas have replaced their Chairman with Allan Campbell, executive chairman and major shareholder of AJ Lucas. This is a further indication of the growing influence of AJ Lucas over Sydney Gas. Remember that AJ Lucas is the drilling company and major sub-contractor to Sydney Gas. Their subsidiary company, Lucas Energy, is developing a gas field between Gloucester and Stroud; please go to the Barrington-Gloucester-Stroud Preservation Alliance web site to read of their struggle.
The CEO of Sydney Gas is a long time director of AJ Lucas. AJ Lucas has bought large amounts of shares in Sydney Gas and they want some return for their investment. Beware of AJ Lucas & Lucas Energy.
Local newspapers have recently been carrying front page news that Sydney Gas has discovered a massive gas field laying between Paynes Crossing and Singleton worth $10 billion. This is a premature announcement by Sydney Gas who's share price has devalued by more than 50% since June, a company that continues making a serious loss and who urgently need to raise capital.
Until Sydney Gas have run pilot test wells, they cannot fully assess the quality, flow rate and viability of the gas in the coal seam, so this PR stunt is just hairy chest beating by their new chairman.
Indigenous History
There will be a gathering at Laguna Hall on Saturday February 14th where the Wollombi Valley Arts Council will be hosting a major presentation of the Indigenous History of the Wollombi Valley.
Descendants of the tribes associated with this area will be there. This is a rare event and promises to be highly enlightening and stimulating for all who attend.
We urge you to set aside that day in your diary.
WAGE T-shirt
Members of WAGE have produced a T-Shirt that spells out our opposition to Sydney Gas and AGL drilling in the Wollombi Valley. These shirts are on sale from the stores in Laguna and Wollombi at the giveaway price of $20.
All proceeds will go toward our fighting fund. Please show your support and wear the shirt.
The price of democracy is eternal vigilance
We have now been contacted by folk in the Wybong area who are facing an invasion by Sydney Gas and AGL. The people of Broke are deeply worried about their future now that Sydney Gas are making loud overtures about a gas field laying under their land.
Communities all around NSW and Australia are facing varying degrees of stress and destruction caused by gas and mining companies supported by State Governments who seem to have lost any sense of reason and balance.
We are making available a DVD called Rivers of Shame; get yourself a copy from the Wollombi General Store or Laguna Shop and take a little time to look and see the damage that is being done by mining operations around New South Wales.
Resist any approach from Sydney Gas, AGL Energy, AJ Lucas or anyone associated with these companies.
- Do not accept their phone calls
- Do not allow them onto your land
- Do not sign an access agreement
The Wollombi Valley community must remain vigilant and united.
Please contact us immediately if you are approached or would like to talk to someone in WAGE about this. We can be contacted by phone or email through our web site.
For more information or to become a member please go to www.wage.org.auHappy Christmas
- Newsletter 5
Letter to Minister, Sydney Gas Update, Wage Tee Shirt and announcing an Indigenous History event in February (668kb pdf file)
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