A NEW documentary has been released that follows the journey of four community members from the North West, as they fight against the proposed Santos gasfield in the Pilliga forest.
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Pilliga Rising stars a salt-of-the-earth farmer, a crafty business owner, a young Indigenous multimedia artist and an experienced citizen scientist.
The Narrabri Crossing Theatre will host a free screening of the 40-minute film this Sunday at 4.30pm, followed by a questions and answers section with the director.
One of the film's stars, Narrabri retiree, Tony Pickard has been fighting against the gas companies since 2006. His story highlights his work to expose the toxic spills during the exploration process.
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"I’m not against mining but it must be done in respect to three key things," Mr Pickard said.
"It must be done with respect to the environment. It must be done with respect to the rules, laws and regulations. And it must be done with respect to the people in the area where you’re going to operate."
In the film, Gamilaroi women Paris Norton connects young artists with local elders using modern technology.
"The Pilliga has protected us since the beginning of time," Ms Norton said.
"The Pilliga provides everything we need - that’s why community is fighting against mining in this area."
As a German backpacker, Maria Rickert, settled in the Pilliga region more than 30 years ago. Today, her business Pilliga Pottery is a thriving tourist hub.
"Coal seam gas is like a cloud hanging over every person involved," Mrs Rickert said.
"People who love the Pilliga would not sell it off for money."
Adam Macrae, a farmer and father of five from Coonamble whose property is in the path of the proposed Pilliga gas pipeline, is the final start of the film.
"Everything we do here is about providing a choice for our kids," he said.
"With the coal seam gas industry, that choice will be taken away."
Pilliga Rising director Mark Pearce said the people in the film and their unique Australian outback lifestyle reminded him of "humanity’s best qualities".
"The coal seam gas issues in the Pilliga forest drill a hole in my heart - pardon the pun," Mr Pearce said.
The film was commissioned by the Wilderness Society. Organisation spokesperson and executive producer of the documentary, Namoi Hodgson, said the film was a timely focus on the community's fight against the project.
"Santos has been sent back to the drawing board due to the inadequacy of its groundwater assessment and monitoring plans by the NSW Department of Water and cannot be trusted with this risky project," she said.
"Our groundwater is simply too precious to jeopardise."