Putty prepares to defend its water

The Putty community is preparing to defend its water from coal seam gas extraction on Sunday 16 October 2011 at the Putty Hall.

This national day of action against coal seam gas coincides with the beginning of water week, and all communities fighting development of the coal seam gas industry in their area are gathering for a day of protest. Numbers attending all the events will be texted to a central number in Sydney.

An exploration core hole has been drilled near Putty to investigate the coal seam gas potential of the area. The core hole is 500 metres from the World Heritage Wollemi National Park and near a creek which flows into the Colo River, a declared ‘Wild River’, before entering the Hawkesbury.

Putty’s community day will commence at 12 noon with the raising of the flag and the opening of the bar. People are encouraged to bring their own picnic lunch and barbecue facilities will be available. The local ladies’ famous scones will be freshly baked throughout the afternoon and available with tea or coffee.

To be included in the national tally people must be at the Hall by 1pm. A photograph of all participants will be taken at 1.30pm. Anyone who loves Putty and the surrounding national parks is invited to attend. Participants are encouraged to make their own signs, however, limited signs will be sold on the day.

A community stall will sell books, DVDs, bric-a-brac and clothes. Three Valleys Landcare will be selling trees and more free stall spaces are available.