Gas mining is expanding across Australia, and has been touted as part of the answer to cutting emissions. But there is evidence that this rollout will pose significant health and environmental risks.
The Narrabri ‘Big Picture’ event in November 2015 brought together people from across the region in opposition to coal seam gas extraction..
Selen Ercan
While anger mobilises opposition to coal seam gas projects, it is also joy, especially the joy of social connection, that helps to sustain involvement.
An unconventional gas valve in WA’s Kimberley region, which has been newly opened up to fracking.
AAP Image
The Western Australian government’s decision to green-light fracking in selected areas aims to walk a line between industry interests and community opposition. But across Australia the picture varies widely.
Local communities need to know that old coal seam gas wells aren’t going to cause ongoing problems.
AAP Image/Dean Lewins
The coal seam gas industry and its regulators still have work to do in persuading local communities that old wells can be decommissioned without future problems, according to new CSIRO research.
Coal seam gas extraction has increased social stress in Darling Downs.
University of Queensland
Research into Queensland’s Darling Downs area has found social stress caused by housing pressure, population shifts and the ‘two-speed economy’ of coal seam gas.
And if you wait too long to survey a community, it can end up being too be too late to turn the tide of opinion.
Richard Swinton
‘Social licence to operate’ is a term describing how much community support a project or company has. As the Northern Rivers CSG experience shows, failing to get it can have costly impacts for firms.
The controversial Narrabri coal seam gas project. Australia has plenty of gas reserves that are cheaper to develop and a safer bet.
AAP Image/Dean Lewins
Australia has enough gas reserves to supply the next 25 years’ demand. Federal pressure to lift state bans on onshore gas development is pointless, risky – and won’t bring prices down.
Protesters rally against coal seam gas in Melbourne, February 2016.
AAP Image/Caroline Zielinski
The federal government seems keen to usher in a new boom in onshore gas production. But gas firms will need to tread carefully, as past experience in Queensland’s fracking heartland shows.
Coal seam gas developments in Queensland near Chinchilla in 2013.
AAP Image/Dave Hunt
Extracting coal seam gas produces billions of litres of water. A new CSIRO report suggests that, when treated, this water can be pumped back underground.
Protesters march against fracking in Melbourne.
AAP Image/NEWZULU/DAVID HEWISON
Energy companies are realising that, in light of the Paris climate deal, the economics are starting to line up in favour of climate action, not against it.
US Studies Centre research associate Tom Switzer said on Q&A that US carbon emissions had levelled off because of coal seam gas, but activist Naomi Klein said it was due to the economic downturn. What does the research say?