Additional Information: Coal Seam Gas

In April 2012, Council supported a motion tabled at the Municipal Association of Victoria's State Meeting by the Bass Coast Shire Council.

An extract of that motion is below.

Council Support - Motions for MAV State Meeting 2012

18 April 2012

Cr Veronica Dowman
Mayor
Bass Coast Shire Council
PO Box 118
Wonthaggi  VIC  3995

Dear Cr Dowman

Council Support - Motions for MAV State Meeting 2012

In accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Association of Victoria in relation to the submission of motions for the State Council Meeting, I am writing to advise that South Gippsland Shire Council strongly supports the motions being lodged by Bass Coast Shire Council as follows and will confirm support at the Council Meeting scheduled for Thursday 26 April 2012:
That the Municipal Association of Victoria:

1. consult with member Councils to establish the experience of Councils in dealing with coal seam gas exploration across Victoria
2. consult with the Department of Primary Industry(DPI) to establish the extent of coal seam gas exploration and mining currently approved in Victoria
3. request the DPI to establish a Coal Seam Gas Working Party with the MAV to investigate the impacts of coal seam gas exploration and mining on existing land use patterns and economic activity, the environment and groundwater quality across the State
4. Request the state government to establish a parliamentary committee on coal seam gas to investigate whether the existing regulatory regime is adequate to control unconventional gas extraction
5. develop a communications and engagement plan to inform Councils and other key stakeholders of the issues and strategies being developed to manage this issue.”

It is clear that the views of our Councils are very much aligned on these matters and as such, it is with pleasure that this Council join with Bass Coast Shire Council in putting the motions forward for State Council consideration.

Yours sincerely

Cr Warren Raabe
Mayor