With coal seam gas (CSG) exploration in our region escalating rapidly, Rivers SOS will screen the documentary Gasland in Campbelltown on Sunday 6th March. This documentary – a must-see according to ABC film reviewer Julie Rigg – exposes the shocking environmental and health impacts of CSG extraction, including the use of carcinogenic chemicals, the contamination of groundwater and the huge water usage involved.
Areas in Camden, Darkes Forest/Maddens Plains and Varroville are under threat and, unbelievably, plans are even afoot to drill in the Special Areas of our drinking water catchment, strongly opposed by the Otford Protection Society and Rivers SOS.
Gasland will be introduced by the legendary anti-corruption warrior John Hatton. The session will end around 6.30 pm, after the film and brief input from local groups. Candidates from all political parties were invited, but only the Greens candidate for Camden, Danica Sajn, has accepted.
Time: 4 pm, Sunday 6th March
Place: Campbelltown Arts Centre Theatre, cnr Camden & Appin Rds, Campbelltown (parking available)
Admission: $10, $5 for students and pensioners
John Hatton, our guest of honour, is famous for decades of campaigning against corruption as the independent MP for the South Coast. He was instrumental in triggering the Wood Royal Commission against police corruption, and countless other campaigns led to him being crowned a “National Living Treasure” by the National Trust in 1999. He is also a recipient of the Order of Australia. He has come out of retirement to stand for election this year, leading a team of like-minded independents, believing that a corrupt government is sacrificing communities for short-term gains from mining and CSG exctraction.
In 2010, after touring mining areas of NSW, he summed up: “Environmental and social protections are being jettisoned as coal mining cuts a swathe through NSW … NSW is a corrupt state with due process scuttled for anyone with enough cash.” He is campaigning against the iniquitous Part 3A approvals process, saying that community action is the only way to win.
Coal Seam gas exploration licences have now been granted. You can now add the Tweed Valley to the list… west of Murwillumbah, from Limpinwood to Crystal Creek, from Wadeville to Doon Doon and Rowlands Creek.