Greens MP and mining spokesperson Cate Faehrmann has renewed calls for an immediate moratorium on the coal seam gas industry in NSW after shocking revelations aired on ABC’s Four Corners tonight.

Ms Faehrmann’s successful ‘call for papers’ in the NSW Upper House last year exposed inadequate government regulations, the extent of fraccing being used by the industry in NSW and the influence of the industry over government decision making.

“The situation in Queensland is horrendous, but the coal seam gas industry is essentially calling the shots here in NSW as well. What was made clear from my call for papers last year is the grossly inadequate safeguards combined with a very low level of expertise within government,” said Ms Faehrmann.

“Lies and misinformation have become common practice to allow gas companies access to farmlands and residential areas.

“Labor and the Coalition have attempted to allay overwhelming community concern and anger about the lack of environmental oversight by releasing new policies. However they fail to protect aquifers and farmland, and both have ruled out a full moratorium.

“Once an aquifer is contaminated, or a community is exposed to harmful chemicals, no future strategy or regulation can fix it.

“I am angry that governments have failed to protect families who are suffering at the hands of gas company giants. These companies clearly have little regard for their health, the environment or future generations.

“NSW needs an immediate moratorium pending a full independent inquiry – this is the only way to protect farmlands and the community’s health from this dangerous and highly unregulated industry,” said Ms Faehrmann.

Media contact: Peter Stahel 0433 005 727