A GROUP has been formed in Armidale to combat the threat of coal seam gas mining to water, farmland and bushland.
The Armidale Action on Coal Seam Gas (AACSG) will hold its first meeting next Thursday at the Armidale Bowling Club from 7pm.
Michael McNamara, who is touring NSW to raise awareness about the impacts of coal seam gas mining, will be one of two guests to address the meeting.
Armidale environmentalist Carmel Flint will address those present and talk about the effects of gas mining on natural areas such as the Pilliga Forest.
AACSG spokeswoman Bea Bleile said anyone who wanted to learn more about the threat posed by coal seam gas mining was invited to attend the event.
“Even though the Armidale area is not currently threatened by gas mining, we are deeply concerned about the effects on our neighbours in surrounding regions and the grave threat it poses to the future of NSW,” she said.
The group was formed following a public screening of the movie Gasland, which Ms Bleile said highlighted just how rapidly this type of mining could turn productive rural landscapes into industrial wastelands.
“We fear for the future of our water. Numerous studies have concluded, and many reputable bodies admitted, that the safety of coal seam gas mining cannot be relied on,” she said.
“A threat to our water is a threat to our farms and our food security. “
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