The Australian Greens are calling for an open and genuine dialogue between the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) and the National Farmers Federation, to ensure that farmers’ legitimate concerns regarding coal seam gas are addressed.

“APPEA’s attempts to sidestep the groundswell of farming communities opposed to coal seam gas simply highlight how effective the Lock the Gate movement is,” Australian Greens spokesperson for mining, Senator Larissa Waters said today.

“Negotiations between APPEA and NFF need be held in good faith and recognise that many farmers do not want coal seam gas on their land and want the right to say no.

“Sadly, the talks are simply unable to deal with the core risks associated with CSG, as landholders lack the legal right to say no to CSG on their land.

“Until the science is done on the long term impacts on groundwater and the climate from coal seam gas mining, huge uncertainties remain for farmers and rural communities.

“We need a moratorium until the science is in on what coal seam gas is doing to the environment and rural communities – and farmers need the right to say no to coal seam gas on their land.”