Council ‘go’ for gas

For the first time, Narrabri Shire Council has taken a position on the Santos Narrabri Gas Project – it now officially supports the project.

At its council meeting on Tuesday, five councillors voted in favour of a motion that included an amendment ‘to support the Narrabri Gas Project’ and three councillors voted against the motion.

Councillor Cameron Staines moved the motion and voted in favour of it, it was seconded and supported by Cr Annie McMahon and was also supported by Mayor Cathy Redding, Cr Maxine Booby and Cr Lloyd Finlay.

Cr Robert Kneale, Cr Ron Campey and Cr Ann Loder all voted against the motion.  However, Cr Kneale wanted to state that he wasn’t necessarily against the project, he just didn’t think Council should be voting and forming its position on it today.

He expressed the view that Council’s ‘position to date had been very neutral’

“I think we’ve lost the plot here,” said Cr Kneale.

“I don’t want to be involved and part of today committing this Council one way or another.”

Cr Ron Campbell left the room for the vote due a pecuniary interest.

The motion that passed was – that Council adopt a draft submission on the Narrabri Gas Project and submit the document to the NSW Government, that council commend Santos on their commitment to addressing Council’s concerns on their Environmental Impact Statement and that Council support the Narrabri gas project.

The original motion was just the first point – that Council adopt a draft submission on the Narrabri Gas Project and submit the document to the NSW Government – but Cr Staines moved an amendment for the extra two points including the amendment that Council back the project, and that caused a flurry of debate about the controversial gas project.

“There’s just so many questions that haven’t been answered around this project about underground pollution,” said Cr Campey during debate.

“This is jobs for the community,” said Cr Staines.

“This will have a significant impact. This is jobs for the next 100 years.”

There will be a full report in Thursday’s The Courier.