Tweed Shire Council has long held a stance against unconventional gas exploration in the Tweed and, if supported by the community, will install ‘Gasfield Free’ signs at various locations throughout the shire.
“Installing these signs is another important step in reaffirming Council’s position, sending a clear signal to gas operators that gas exploration is not welcome here,” the Mayor of Tweed, Councillor Barry Longland, said.
“If supported by the community, panels displaying the words ‘Gasfield Free’ will be added to new and existing welcome signs at the entrances to Tweed Shire.
“Panels will also be added to township and village signs scattered across the shire, reading ‘Tweed Shire – Gasfield Free’.
“Before going too much further, we want to make sure this is something the community also support, which is why we’re asking the public to have their say.”
A webpage dedicated to the issue of unconventional gas operations in the Tweed has been set up on Your Say Tweed, Council’s online community engagement forum.
“We will also be out and about in the community to chat with residents about the signage.”
He said the proposed signs were timely given the recent merger of Dart Energy with UK oil and gas explorer IGas Energy.
“IGas Energy is reportedly planning to sell all non-UK assets owned by Dart Energy once the merger is complete, such as petroleum exploration licence (PEL) 445 which covers parts of the south west of the Tweed, including much of the Tweed’s water supply catchment areas.”
Since passing a motion to oppose Coal Seam Gas (CSG) exploration in the Tweed in 2011, Council has continued to promote a firm position at the State and Federal Government levels against CSG and other unconventional gas operations in the Tweed.
