Friends of the Earth (FoE) has welcomed the Victorian government’s announcement that it will put the brakes on the onshore gas sector for 12 months.

Energy Minister Russell Northe will today knock back the approval of work plan applications for exploratory drilling activities until the community consultation process on coal seam gas is completed in late 2015.

PLEASE NOTE that today's planned ride has been cancelled as a result of yesterday's announcement by the government.

On thursday May 29, community members from Seaspray in Gippsland will ride horses up Bourke Street to Parliament to announce their intention to blockade oil and gas drilling.

Please show your support by greeting them at Parliament at 1pm.

Residents of Seaspray are nervously awaiting a decision by the Minister for Resources and Energy, Russell Northe. Mr Northe needs to decide whether to approve an application from Lakes Oil to carry out horizontal drilling.

The community steadfastly opposes the proposal, and is currently preparing for the likelihood of having to carry out peaceful direct action in coming weeks.

Environmental group Friends of the Earth (FoE) has welcomed today’s announcement of the community consultation process on unconventional gas by the Energy and Resources Minister Russell Northe.

“After many months of inaction by the previous minister, we are impressed that Mr Northe has moved quickly since his appointment to get this process out into the public realm” said FoE spokesperson Cam Walker.

Locals from Seaspray in Gippsland have announced their intention to blockade drilling operations if the government approves Lakes Oil Tight Gas activity.

Lakes Oil have applied to the state government to gain approval to carry out horizontal drilling in the Seaspray area in Gippsland.

Please support the community and tell the Minister not to approve the application.

Are you interested in getting involved in our campaign to get environmental issues onto the agenda of all political parties in the buildup to the November 29 state election?

We will be holding an information night on 18 February at FoE from 7pm - 8pm.

The community campaign against new coal and gas is already in full swing for 2014.

There are a number of community declarations coming up soon, with Mirboo North and Boolarra holding their community celebrations shortly.

While concerns about coal seam gas (CSG) drives a lot of debate about unconventional gas operations, Tight Gas will come into stronger focus if the current moratorium on the process of fracking is lifted.

Guest speakers from around Victoria will talk about future energy options including solar and wind power, how to reduce energy use, your household bills and the risks associated if we don’t move to a renewable energy future. Not to be missed!

Seymour, November 16

Please support this fun and informative community action.

We will be marking out a symbolic area for a coal-drying facility

Where: Fred Smith Reserve, Hastings Foreshore, Western Port Bay.

November 9th 2013
2pm-3.30pm

Organised by Westernport and Peninsula Protection Council Inc. Supported by Environment Victoria and Quit Coal.

www.wppcinc.org     [email protected]
www.facebook.com/WPPC.Inc       

Brown Coal Export Ports have been proposed for Hastings, The Ninety Mile Beach and Corner Inlet. Gippsland communities concerned with the same threat will attend this action.