LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
I’M intrigued by the state government’s planned ‘natural gas information open days” to be held across Gippsland over the next couple of weeks.
Firstly, wouldn’t it be more appropriate to call them ‘onshore gas information open days’?
Onshore gas exploration and drilling is the concern, isn’t it?
Guess they just wanted to get the word ‘natural’ in there.
And who will be providing that information?
The government?
Industry?
Deputy Premier Peter Ryan, has stated (Gippsland Times 30/5) that the open days are part of the government’s “extensive community consultation process” and “the open days will provide all the information and facts, so (the community) can make an informed decision ….”
Presumably then, the ‘information open days’ will present all viewpoints on the science and facts of onshore gas exploration (as currently known) from both sides of the fence?
Thus, The Greens Party, local farmers, environmental organizations and protest groups will have been invited (with reasonable notice) to present information to the community at those open day events … won’t they?
Also, it seems somewhat premature to claim to provide “all the information and facts” about onshore gas exploration now, when the initial findings of the government commissioned scientific study (to examine the potential impacts of onshore gas drilling on Victoria’s water resources) will not be available until July 2015!
Mmm … intriguing.
Editor’s note: Sale’s gas community consultation day will be held Tuesday, June 10 from 2pm to 8pm at Sale Memorial Hall.
