AFTER 20 days of the continuous blockade at a property near Spring Ridge, local farmers have had a victory, as coal seam gas operator Santos pulled its plans for the pilot testing site.
❏Environmental groups question Santos decision
❏ Stoppage welcomed by Farmers Association
The community blockade was lifted at 8.30am yesterday after the mining giant agreed to the demands of the farmers, suspending its operations until the Namoi catchment water study is completed early next year.
The blockade started on the morning of Thursday, October 27, when more than 100 farmers gathered to prevent Santos from entering a property called Glasserton where farmers believed their precious underground water supplies would be destroyed by drilling activities.
Since that day, farmers, activists, landholders and local residents had been actively guarding the property 24 hours a day on a roster system, camping out and taking shifts.
Caroona Coal Action Group ? which was involved in the negotiations ? spokesman Tim Duddy, who was also a key blockade organiser, said the deal was reached late Monday afternoon after week-long negotiations between community representatives and Santos.
Mr Duddy said it was a tremendous result for the community and for the future of the Liverpool Plains but what they had achieved was no more than plain common sense should have demanded.
"Mining and coal seam gas exploration should not be allowed to proceed in areas with significant underground water resources until we know what the potential risks are," he said.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson had brokered the deal with Santos and those involved in the blockade have thanked the MP for his support.
Mr Anderson said as a result of the discussions, they had been able to find a way through the difficult situation and it was a perfect example of how continued communication led to the suitable outcome.
"We need to get the balance right and this is part of the process," he said.
Mr Anderson said Santos had agreed to limit its activity on the site to fencing and minor earthworks before it vacates.
Santos will undertake a community meeting and consultation program as part of its agreement, to make sure residents are better informed about future works in the region.
Santos vice-president Eastern Australia James Baulderstone said given the sensitivities about the potential impact of CSG activity on the groundwater resources associated with black soil, it had agreed to delay the planned work at Spring Ridge.
Santos will continue with its planned exploration in areas surrounding Gunnedah and Narrabri, away from the black soil.
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