Great Barrier Reef threatened



Courtesy of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

UNESCO’s report on the Great Barrier Reef says ‘The rapid increase of coastal developments, including ports infrastructure is of significant concern. The property further lacks an overall plan for the future sustainable development of the reef that will lead to protection of Outstanding Universal Value in the long-term’.

It goes on to ‘requests the State Party to not permit any new port development or associated infrastructure outside of the existing and long-established major port areas within or adjoining the property, and to ensure that development is not permitted if it would impact individually or cumulatively on the Outstanding Universal Value of the property’.

Gas leak in Condamine River



Chinchilla

Lock the Gate investigators have discovered coal seam gas bubbling to the surface along a five kilometre stretch of the Condamine River near Chinchilla in Queensland.

Dart’s share drop and community consultation

On May 23, 2012 Dart Energy shares dropped to 16 cents and the ASX sent them another price query.

Where will Dart drill in Sydney?

While speculation mounts on where Dart Energy will drill for coal seam gas in Sydney, the UK Government rejects shale gas as a solution to Britain’s energy crisis and Dart’s shares drop to 19.5 cents.

Video and media links

The NSW Government say there will be a gas shortage while BHP Billiton say they have plenty in Bass Strait. Videos of Save the Great Barrier Reef, 7000 march against coal seam gas in Lismore and the Protect our Water, Protect our Land rally in Sydney.

Our environmental laws are under attack

Wollemi National Park - B Kearns

Right now, developers and mining companies are lobbying to weaken essential environmental protections and public participation rights in the planning system in order to get fast-tracked development approvals.

Dart Energy's latest reports

Dart Energy shares are down to 24 cents. Dart announces that it will not drill in St Peters and their quarterly report doesn’t mention PEL 460 where Putty is located.

City and country, united we stand. Protect our water, protect our land

Thousands of people from farms and environmental groups march to State Parliament on 1 May chanting "City and country, united we stand. Protect our water, protect our land". They were demonstrating their objections to the Government’s draft Strategic Land Use policy.

NSW Farmers have organised buses to take people to Sydney for a march to Parliament House on 1 May 2012. City dwellers, farmers, environmentalists are all encouraged to march to protect your land, water and environment from mining activity.

It’s an interesting time in politics as the new Green leader, Christine Milne goes on a nationwide tour of rural and regional Australia, the Federal Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, declares himself a conservative conservationist and the CWA prepare to march in a protest in Sydney. Meanwhile some councils and companies are thinking outside the box on solar energy.