The map came from the Hume Coal Review of Environmental Factors which is submitted to the government prior to drilling approval (which was subsequently received on May 6). It shows the exploration boreholes they are  the proposing to drill in the Sutton Forest coal lease AUTH 349. The entire original document can be found here on the NSW Department of Primary Industries site.

This mining infestation is coming to the prime agricultural land which you love and cherish. You need to stand up and be counted and resist in your own right. Do not leave it all up to SCHAG. Write yourself.  All of us at SHCAG do the very best we can but numbers count!

Democrats of the Congressional Committee on Energy and Commerce just released a new report detailing chemicals used in the toxic gas exploration process known as Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking or fracing).

Fracking is a technique used to extract natural gas from shale beneath the earths surface. Communities are increasingly concerned about fracking polluting public water systems and the environment, when the chemicals leak into aquifers, rivers, streams and the atmosphere.

While the oil/gas industry has denied any problem, there is mounting evidence that public water systems and private wells are being polluted in areas around the drilling sites.

Read the full article at 8080 published on 17 April 2011

A 60-DAY freeze on new exploration licences for coal, coal seam gas and petroleum has been announced by the NSW government in a push to resolve the escalating conflict between farmers, miners and conservationists over land use.

Read full article in SMH published on 21 May 2011