GRAFTON NANNAS WANT ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas have written to their Federal Member, Kevin Hogan, about the lack of Federal Government Action on climate change. The text of the letter is below:

Action on Climate Change

Members of the Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas and Greed are very concerned about the Federal Government's lack of action on climate change.

It is quite obvious to us and to many other members of the community in our electorate and elsewhere that the pace of climate change is accelerating and that we are going to be subjected to an increasing range of impacts which will cause distress to individuals and communities as well as having major and long-term effects on the economy.

And what is the Federal Government's response to this building climate emergency?  NOTHING.  It has no climate policy.  This is more than astounding; it is appalling and grossly incompetent.  It shows a lack of concern for the national interest and for future generations of Australians.

We are well aware that you now sit on the cross bench - BUT you are a member of the National Party which is part of the Federal Government and you were recently endorsed by that party as their candidate for Page in the upcoming federal election.

The fact that you are sitting on the cross bench does not in any way absolve you from responsibility for the policy of your party or the government of which it is part.

So, Mr Hogan, what are you, as our local member, going to do to remedy this disgraceful situation?

We would very much appreciate a response to this question.

*  *  *  *  *  *  

Four of the Grafton Nannas at their knit-in on 13th December

 

 

 

Nanna Kerry at her first Grafton Knit-in.

 

GRAFTON NANNAS WRITE TO MP ABOUT GOVERNMENT'S CSG PLANS

The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas recently wrote to their local member of State Parliament, Chris Gulaptis, about his Government's plans to re-start CSG/unconventional gas mining in NSW.
The text of the letter is printed below:

The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas were delighted when the NSW Government bought back the petroleum export licences covering the Northern Rivers.  We thought, "At last we have a gasfield free Northern Rivers!"

We note that in your February "Clarence Valley Newsletter" you reiterate that there will be no coal seam gas industry on the North Coast.  The Nannas presume that by "coal seam gas" you mean all forms of unconventional gas.

We are concerned, however, at a report which appeared in The Northern Star on February 9th.  Mining Minister Anthony Roberts was reported as having a plan to unlock new coal seam gas reserves to local mining companies that will supply to the local markets rather than for export.  Since that rather astounding revelation all has been quiet.

What exactly did the Minister mean?  Has your Government plans to issue further PELs for gas companies in this state?  If so, what areas are to be targeted?

You are well aware, Mr Gulaptis, of the concerns of the Nannas and will appreciate that we are anxious to learn exactly what the Government intends.


The Nannas are looking forward to our local MP's response.

GRAFTON NANNAS WRITE AGAIN TO CHRIS GULAPTIS MP

The Grafton Nannas have written to  Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis seeking information on the State Government's plans in relation to PEL (Petroleum Exploration Licence) 426.  This PEL, which covers a large part of the Clarence electorate, still appears to be in the hands of Metgasco.   Metgasco is the company which was involved in exploration for coal seam gas at Glenugie near Grafton and Doubtful Creek near Kyogle.  It was also the company which was forced by the State Government to put on hold its plans to drill at Bentley near Casino last year.

PEL 426

The Nannas letter referred to a recent visit by two of its members to discuss matters relating to the Government's proposed buy-back of some petroleum exploration licences around the state. It referred also to the fact that PEL 426 expired at the beginning of 2014.

The letter to Mr Gulaptis continued:

Despite commitments from local members, including yourself, to work towards removing the gas-mining threat from our region, the Nannas note that Metgasco still has expectations about its future in the Northern Rivers, including the Clarence.

According to an ASIC Report Extract:
"Metgasco continues to wait for renewal of PEL 426, something that was expected in February 2014.  Metgasco has accepted all conditions and paid its renewal fee.  Metgasco notes that OCSG (the Office of Coal Seam Gas ) demands annual reporting and the payment of annual fees, despite not being able to confirm the renewal for 18 months.  Metgasco re-submitted its renewal application in July 2015 in the Government's new format requirement."

While this stated expectation may be a tactic to "up the ante" for compensation from the Government, it is still of concern to us.  Of concern is the amount of time that has passed without a resolution - or indeed any sign of progress - in resolving the matter.  We trust that this delay is not an indication that we are going to be stuck with gas-mining and Metgasco - and that the Government has caved in to the industry.

If that is the case, as we have said in the past, the Nannas, who would prefer a relaxed nannerly lifestyle, will return to campaigning strongly with other members of our community who oppose this invasive, polluting industry.

 The Nannas want effective action on achieving a gasfield free Northern Rivers.  We want PEL 426 and the petroleum exploration licences in our region rescinded. We urge you to convey our concerns to the relevant Government ministers.

Nannas delivering letter to Gulaptis' office