In September 2012 the O'Farrell Coalition government "green lighted" state-wide CSG exploration, production and "fracking". Not one square inch of NSW has been guaranteed protection. Our best agricultural lands and environmentally sensitive areas are all up for grabs.

If you live in the lower Blue Mountains or far western suburbs of Sydney you are almost certainly covered by a Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL2) held by AGL. AGL is actively exploring in the Camden/Campbelltown area, and has already moved from exploration to full industrial production in some areas. And, if you live elsewhere, do not think CSG does not effect you - if you drink water, then it does!

The O'Farrell government (breaking a pre-election "guarantee" made by the Premier himself) is actually set to allow drilling in our main water catchment area.

• Learn More: The most effective initial action anyone can take is to learn more about what CSG is, how CSG is extracted, and the damage this industry can have on our land, our water, and our health.
• Let State Politicians know you are NOT happy: Contact the Premier Barry O'Farrell, the Planning Minister Brad Hazzard, the Resources and Energy Minister Chris Hartcher, Blue Mountains local member Roza Sage, and Penrith local member Stuart Ayres. Let them know their current policy is unacceptable. (Contact details in Resources Section below)
• Spread the Word: Talk to your family, friends, neighbours, and work colleagues. Let them know what is happening and give them a copy of this flyer.
• Sign CSG Petitions: Though sometimes ignored petitions make sure that politicians cannot say that no one is concerned and if there are enough signatories (10,000+) then the petition must be discussed in parliament. Please don't tire of signing them. Read the petition, if you believe it to be sensible and well founded then sign it. The more the better.
• Use your Consumer Power: If you are a domestic gas user then consider changing to 100% GreenPower (Accredited Renewable) electricity. Alternatively, at least examine the ethics of your current gas supplier (are they also into CSG drilling and fracking?) and change supplier if necessary.
• Become Active, participate in Organisations Opposing CSG: In the Blue Mountains become a member of the Blue Mountains Conservation Society (decades of solid environmental achievement), perhaps attend a Stop CSG Blue Mountains meeting and get involved in coming actions.
• Attend CSG Events: Whether it's a rally, a march, or a blockade protecting a farmer's property please try to attend if you can. It's all about numbers, and even if all you do is stand there then you have made a big contribution.

Learning more:

The Lock the Gate Alliance has a very good facts page, see: www.lockthegate.org.au/fact_sheets/

The very active Stop CSG Illawarra organisation is also an excellent source of information and additional links, see: stop-csg-illawarra.org/

For specific information on what's already happening nearby in the Camden/Campbelltown area, see: www.scenichills.org.au/ In particular have a look at the maps of AGL activity and the incursion of the production lease (PPL5) into residential areas. The map links can be found near the bottom of the "About Us" page.

The community action group GetUp! is also running a campaign, see: www.getup.org.au/coalseamgas Watch the short video to understand the personal impacts CSG can have on peoples lives.

For a political take on CSG from the Greens' MLC Jeremy Buckingham, see: www.jeremybuckingham.org.au/ The coverage, including videos, of his "Frack Finding" tour of the USA is available there and is well worth a look.

Locating CSG exploration leases and wells:

The ABC has produced a relatively easy to use CSG mapping resource that covers all of Australia and is driven by postcode, see: www.abc.net.au/news/specials/coal-seam-gas-by-the-numbers/

A little more difficult to use, but the official source of the NSW Government, is the MinView Mapping system. A guest login page is available at: minview.minerals.nsw.gov.au/mv2web/mv2

Politician Contact Details:

Full contact details for all NSW Parliamentarians can be found at: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/members.nsf/V3ListCurrentMembers

Emails for Premier, Planning Minister, and Resources and Energy Minister are:
office@premier.nsw.gov.au    office@hazzard.minister.nsw.gov.au    office@hartcher.minister.nsw.gov.au

Roza Sage, local member for Blue Mountains, has the following full contact details:
Office:  132 Macquarie Road SPRINGWOOD NSW 2777
Phone:  (02) 4751 3298 Fax (02) 4751 1245
Email:  bluemountains@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Stuart Ayres, local member for Penrith, has the following full contact details:
Office:  Shop 23 Ground Floor, Penrith Centre 510-534 High Street PENRITH NSW 2750
Phone:  4722 8660 Fax: 4731 4782
Email:  penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Blue Mountains Organisations Opposing CSG:

Blue Mountains Conservation Society: www.bluemountains.org.au/

Stop CSG Blue Mountains: www.stopcsgbm.net.au/

Transition Blue Mountains: transitionbluemountains.org.au/

Climate Action Now Katoomba Area: katoombacan.org