Fighting against unconventional gas mining

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

THERE is much concern throughout Victorian rural communities and, a rapidly growing city population, as an overwhelming number of people oppose the development of the onshore gas industry in Victoria.

The risks posed by the industry are well documented, substantiated and insurmountable.

The government inquiry currently underway was overwhelmed with a record 1717 submissions, with only a handful supporting the industry.

By their own accounts this is unprecedented for any Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry.

There are people in your community who have been actively fighting for your rights and the rights of your children and grandchildren to live in a healthy, uncompromised environment.

They have had lots of support and encouragement during this battle that has dragged on for nearly four years now.

But, as the end of the moratorium draws near, and the inquiry is set to release its findings in December, now is the time for everyone to do something personally, to ensure we are not living in gas fields in the future.

Don’t for one minute think it won’t affect you.

A quick look at the government website will probably confirm there is a mining exploration licence over your farm, home and community.

The time for complacency is gone and it’s now time every single one of us stood up to be counted.

Farmers and country people from all over Victoria gathered at the State Library on Sunday at midday to listen to the music of Shane Howard, speeches from Drew Hutton and Victorian farmers, including Seaspray’s Trevor Flint, joining together to share our strong and unrelenting opposition to this industry.

I urge all concerned Victorians to continue the fight.