Fracking-- just when you get your head around one environmental disaster. . .

[Michaelangelica]

along comes another
USA/PBS report
http://video.pbs.org/video/1801866697

Four Corners - The Gas Rush
www.abc.net.au
http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/speci...as/default.htm

This sounds like it could totally stuff the Great Artesian Basin; which i guess has just been refilled.

[matto]

Thanks for the posting. I got to see it last night and it looks likethey have taken the business modelright from America as far as bypassing environmental Protocol's, farmers rights and community concerns.
I wonder if this could be worse than Americas problems as we depend so much on our groundwater?
We can sign up to http://suggest.getup.org.au/forums/6...ronm?ref=title to help fund a wider awareness program.
http://agroinnovations.com/index.php...n-report-card/ gives some ideas to what america has started to raise accountability.

[sun burn]

Oh yeah, i know what you mean. I saw the show too and it was quite alarming. Not long ago some one wanted me to sign a petition against the gas drilling and i didn't have a clue what it was about. I am glad i watched this show now as it seems like a pretty important issue down there. If it was me though and I was that woman bee keeper, i wouldn't be hanging around while those people just walk all over you.

[Abernethy Stanley]

Some more sensationalism for you - http://www.gasland.com.au/ Documnetry about the "Gas rush" desending on Australia.

I know someone who works for one of these CSG companies. It is one of the most environmentally responsible companies going around. Guys dont believe everything you read. and remember this is not the USA, we have different laws. these companies aren't allowed to get away with the same things here.

Here is a response to the film - http://www.bowenergy.com.au/download...ts_Gasland.pdf

Not saying that i want them fracking anywhere near my joint, just presenting an alternate point of view.

[Abernethy Stanley]

This guy reckons it is alright - http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/con...2/s3133294.htm

But he is a capitalist poly in their pocket, so i wouldn't believe what he says either..

[Michaelangelica]

thanks
Abernethy Stanley
I am not sure the Government (at least in NSW) is on top of what is going on at all
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/nsw/cont...2/s3129246.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/resource...s/s3129254.htm

the 4-corners report talked of 23 chemicals being used none of which have been though any environmental testing.
The Great Artesian Basin on one mother of a big pond. The 4- Corners report said it could take a 1,000 years to follow the chemicals used though the system.
i just wonder if everyone is just jumping on this bandwagon with not enough thought and study of possible consequences. The companies certainly don't seem to be winning any hearts with the locals as you generally do when new work/wealth producing enterprises turn up in town.

This(below) is not the impression I get when I see reports comming out of USA

But Metgasco's chief financial officer, Glenda McLaughlin, says the industry has been the subject of several investigations in the US which found it was safe.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...27/3122949.htm

You used to be able to take out mining rights on your own property. Anyone know if you can still do this?

[Abernethy Stanley]

The following came across my desk today for anyone interested-

To: All Council General Managers and Planning Directors in NSW

From: NSW Department of Planning

Date: 23 February 2010



The NSW Government is inviting feedback from community and industry on the directions and issues to be addressed in a coal and gas strategy for NSW.



The main aims of the strategy will be to:

guide sustainable development of the coal mining and coal seam gas industry
minimise adverse health, environment, agricultural and land use impacts of the industry
strengthen communication between government, industry and the community on coal mining and gas production matters.
A scoping paper has been prepared to:

provide a brief overview of the industry and its potential growth over the next 25 years
identify the key environmental, economic, social and health issues likely to be associated with growth in the coal mining and coal seam gas industry
outline initiatives already being taken by government to address these issues
promote community and stakeholder discussion to provide input to the development of the strategy.
The Scoping Paper and Terms of Reference can be found at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/coalandgas



In addition, the Government will be launching an online forum to ensure a broad range of stakeholders can comment. More information on this forum will follow shortly.



On Monday 14 February 2011, following a regional forum held in Gunnedah on 10 February 2011, the Minister for Planning confirmed an additional three regional forums:



Wollongong; 24 February 2011, 10am-12:30pm

Lithgow: 25 February 2011, 10:30am - 1pm

Singleton: 9 March 2011, 10:30am-1pm



These forums were advertised in local and regional papers. Details for registration can be found at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/forums

[purecajn]

Having worked in the Oil Industry offshore as a Mud-logger for 3yrs, and living in Louisiana wth having to deal with the BP Oil drama, I say with every bit of seriousness "Do whatever it takes to keep the drilling industry out of your backyard." It is terrible on the environment. I've seen so many disregards for the environment and cover ups. I tear up when thinking about all the crap that went on. The money is ridiculously good but my conscious made me quit the Industry.

[Michaelangelica]

Thanks Abernethy Stanley

[Michaelangelica]

Gas rush
(Audio)
Beneath the rich farming soils of the Darling Downs there's a gaseous gold mine. Mobile drilling rigs dot the landscape as energy companies rush to secure the next big export contracts - for natural gas. It's cheaper and cleaner than oil and looks set to supersede coal for making electricity. But farmers fear it will contaminate an even more valuable resource - water. Reporter, Ian Townsend.

TRANSCRIPT

Ian Townsend: Hello, welcome to Background Briefing. I'm Ian Townsend.

In the past few years, the world's biggest energy companies have forked out $20-billion for a stake in the natural gas locked up in coal seams beneath Queensland.

So much gas has now been found across the country that Australia's being compared with Russia and Qatar, as one of the world's biggest sources of natural gas, or methane. There's now a rush to sell this methane.

It's an economic bonanza, but it's pitting two of Australia's biggest industries against each other. The miners are after the gas, but the farmers say there's a more important resource at stake: water.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundb...10/2927413.htm