MEDIA RELEASE
The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas
Against Gas has welcomed the Metgasco shareholders’ decision to accept the NSW
Government’s $25 million offer to buy back the remaining Petroleum Exploration
Licences (PELs) in the Northern Rivers region – PELs 13, 16 and 426.
The successful campaign to make the
Northern Rivers gasfield free has been due to the determination of thousands of
local community members over more than five years.
“Determination was necessary because it
took an immense effort to convince our local politicians and the Government
that this invasive industry was not wanted here. But the message finally got
through,” said Grafton Nanna Lynette Eggins.
“This is a win for people power - not
politicians. The Grafton Nannas are delighted that they can now cast off PEL
426, the PEL which covers a large part of the Clarence LGA.”
The Grafton Nannas, formed in October 2012
during the Glenugie campaign, will be putting away their knitting needles and
crochet hooks for a rest – after their celebration.
“The Nannas will still be around and will
be watching. Any move to re-issue
Petroleum Exploration Licences in our region will be met with Nanna
action. And we will be looking at ways
of helping other communities affected by inappropriate mining development,” Ms
Eggins concluded.
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