Fullerton Cove Verdict - VICTORY for the PEOPLE.

"Fullerton Cove verdict a victory for common sense"

Posted by Steve Phillips on September 12, 2013 ·

Outside of the Sydney Law Courts a month before

This afternoon's judgment in the NSW Land and Environment Court, rejecting the O'Farrell Government's attempt to bankrupt the Fullerton Cove Residents Action Group, is a victory for common sense and an embarrassing rebuff for the government, according to the Lock The Gate Alliance.

Justice Rachel Pepper knocked back a bid by the the Department of Trade and Investment to force the residents group to foot the government's legal bill, following the group's unsuccessful legal challenge to the approval of pilot coal seam gas wells at Fullerton Cove, just north of Newcastle on the edge of the city's water supply. The government's legal team failed to convince Justice Pepper that the residents acted in their own self interest in lodging their case, with the judge confirming that the group had indeed acted in the public interest.

Justice Pepper ordered the Department to pay the residents group's legal bill for this week's hearing, and found that both parties will pay their own legal bills for the previous case.

“This judgment is very welcome, and confirms that community groups have an important role to play in holding governments to account, and representing the public interest”, said Steve Phillips, Hunter regional coordinator for the Lock The Gate Alliance. 

“This volunteer-run local residents group has fought to protect the public's clean air and clean water, taking on the might of a global gas company and the NSW Government. If that's not acting in the public interest, then I don't know what is.”

“This is an embarrassing rebuff for the O'Farrell Government, which is making a habit of siding with mining companies against communities.”

“The proposed overhaul of the Planning Act and changes to the Mining SEPP, both designed to tip the scales in favour of mining approvals; the Supreme Court action with Rio Tinto against the people of Bulga; and now this – attempting to bankrupt a volunteer-run local residents group.

The O'Farrell Government was elected to fix the conflict between mining and community needs, but they are doing the exact opposite.”

“Community groups will continue to fight for protection of our rights, and for the protection of land and water from destruction by mining companies. We call on Barry O'Farrell to switch sides, and join us,” said Phillips.

 
Images @ Eminpee Fotography

BLOCKADE CONTINUES, FAMILY FUN DAY PLANNED AT FULLERTON COVE

Fullerton Cove Blockade Against CSG (Photo credit: lockthegate)

Update from Fullerton cove ....Media Release 23rd August 2012, 3.50pm

BLOCKADE CONTINUES, FAMILY FUN DAY PLANNED AT FULLERTON COVE

Sunday 26th August, 10am onwards.
Fullerton Cove Coal Seam Gas Blockade (397 Fullerton Cove Rd, Fullerton Cove)


The Fullerton Cove Residents Action Group is inviting all members of the public to a Family Fun Day this Sunday, at the site of the community blockade against Dart Energy's coal seam gas drilling project.

Fullerton Cove Blockade Against CSG (Photo credit: lockthegate)

The blockade has continued through a fourth day today and two local women at the blockade, Julie Wood and Lisa McDonald, have now been locked to a tractor at the site for more than 24 hours.
“Our family fun day will include rides, music, food, and balloons. Local Fullerton Cove business OFA Showstar will donate a jumping castle and a small Ferris wheel for the event. Osborne is one of many Newcastle and Port Stephens businesses who have overwhelmed us with their support for our cause”, said spokesperson Lindsay Clout.

“This is a great opportunity for people to come down and visit our blockade, and talk to the Fullerton Cove residents about the the threat that coal seam gas poses to the community and the environment.”

The public is also invited to attend a talk on the impacts of CSG tonight, at 7pm, at the blockade site. “Peter Martin, former CEO of Rothschild Australia Asset Management and now convenor of the Southern Highlands Coal Action Group, will visit the blockade site tonight to discuss his recent tour of United States, where he witnessed first hand the toxic legacy of the coal seam gas industry.” said Clout.

“This issue is much bigger than Fullerton Cove. Coal Seam Gas has left a trail of destruction in the United States, and will do so in Australia if State and Federal governments continue to ignore community demands,” said Mr Clout.

“The support for our blockade has been huge. Every day dozens of new people visit the site. Every day we get more donations from businesses around Port Stephens and Newcastle.

We would like to thank the following businesses for their valued support during the week: Stockton Family Meats, Rudders Cottage Bakery Stockton, Stockton Family Fruits, Browns Butchers Raymond Terrace, McDonalds Williamtown, Stockton IGA, Metro Garage Williamtown, Hunter Organics, Natural Tucker, The Fresh Ingredient, Merewether Food World, Festival IGA Stockton, Domino's Pizza Raymond Terrace, Hunter Meat Wholesalers Stockton” he said.

 English: Advertisement for sale allotments for "Port Stephens City", on the site of the modern day North Arm Cove, New South Wales (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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