METGASCO EXPLORATION LICENSE SUSPENDED

05/19/2014

Resources company Metgasco has had its exploration license suspended in response to complaints that the company did not adequately consult with the local community. Activists near Lismore, Australia, in New South Wales report that the majority of the region’s residents opposed plans for test drilling in the area and were worried about the potential impact on the water supply. At a May 13th meeting between local landholders, the NSW land and water commissioner, and the Office of Coal Seam Gas (OCSG), concerns about Metgasco’s community consultations were raised, causing the director of the OCSG to suspend Metgasco’s license. Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham called the OCSG's action a “fantastic win” for the region, and community members reported that the decision “released a lot of anxiety.” Despite the local community’s concerns, Metgasco said it is confident the company will be able to demonstrate that it has fulfilled all community consultation requirements. For the full story, see http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/may/15/metgasco-gas-exploration-licence-cancelled and http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/metgascos-bentley-gas-drilling-suspended-referred-to-icac-20140515-zrd2w.html.