Advance Australia (NOT) Fair
Advancement....at what cost?
The CSG mining debate consists of many parties however there seems to be two distinct sides to the argument.....
One of money and power. The other of uncertainty and fear.
Alarm bells start ringing when evidence suggests that the majority of concerns raised by different parties opposed to CSG mining, are similar and overlapping. Whilst not all opinions are negative, the level of uncertainty and stress experienced within many communities is genuine and based on concerns such as long term environmental damage of CSG mining on land, affects to ground water aquifers and invasive technology.
The lack of rights for land owners creates a feeling of disempowerment and causes significant frustration and distress for all concerned. The expansion of CSG mining is invasive through its infrastructure of gas wells, compressor stations, pipelines, wastewater dams and new roads. The technology used to extract CSG requires the use of gallons of groundwater. Environmentalists argue that long term effects of disruption to geological structures, ecosystems and natural resources is unknown.
Whilst there are financial incentives for traditional land owners, farmers and communities alike, Government and Mine owners stand to be the ultimate winners when it comes to CSG mining. They promote gains for locals through employment opportunities and improved infrastructure but these are only short term gains in the life of CSG mining. The initial financial gains may cost current and future Australians more than they bargained for. There is not enough scientific research to assure us that there will not be long term negative effects for future generations of Australia.