Hundreds of Victorian farmers joined protesters in Melbourne CBD in a march to rally against the coal seam gas industry yesterday.
The large crowd blocked a busy street, holding up signs and banners, in an effort to declare Victoria “Gas Field Free”.
Victorian Lock the Gate spokeswoman Ursula Alquier told the crowds they won’t stop until there is a total ban on unconventional gas mining.
“While the executives from large mining companies sit behind their swish desks far away from the mess they leave behind, we understand the importance of caring for our land and our waterways,” she said.
The Coal & Gas Free Victoria organisation documented the day’s event, which took three years to plan, on their Facebook page.
“This always is and always will be about community. Whether your City or Country folk, shoulder to shoulder, together forever we will never surrender
our farms, our future or our families and friends to this money grabbing, short sighted, toxic industry …. EVER!”
Premier Daniel Andrews says he understands why farmers exercised their right to protest, but his decision on the issue would be reserved until the findings of a parliamentary inquiry into CSG were handed down.
“I know after growing up in regional Victoria, my family live on prime agricultural land as beef farmers, I know that so many people feel very strongly about this issue and there is not the scientific and community consensus that we would like,” Mr Andrews told reporters.
“When the committee hands down their report we will have a detailed decision in due course.”
The inquiry, tasked with examining the science and impact of the coal seam gas industry’s methods, is due to hand down its final report at the end of the year.
Image: Peter Negus (Coal & Gas Free Victoria Facebook page)
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