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		<title>Wollombi Valley Online News</title>
		<description>News from Wollombi Valley</description>
		<link>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/</link>
		<copyright>Wollombi Valley Online</copyright>
		<lastBuildDate>Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:43 +1100</lastBuildDate>
		<language>en</language>
		
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			<title><![CDATA[Farmers squeezed out of energy boon]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[LANDHOLDERS should be capitalising on seismic changes in how we generate energy, says Matthew Wright, but instead they are being pushed aside.

Mr Wright, executive director of Beyond Zero Emissions, thinks the thrust of current government policy will be to deny many landholders the ability to profit from wind generation, while compromising the enterprises of other landholders who host coal seam gas (CSG) operations without sharing in CSG profits.


Beyond Zero Emissions, a non-profit organisation, has the goal of moving Australia "from a 19th century fossil fuel based economy to a 21st century renewable powered clean tech economy".]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/xjzvsB</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7801</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Matthew Cawood (The Land)]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Metgasco still waiting on licence]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[A PETROLEUM production licence - which would see Metgasco begin extracting commercial quantities of coal-seam gas from its Richmond Valley leases - has still not been granted more than 12 months after the com-pany applied for it.

Petroleum production licence number nine was lodged with the Department of Primary industries by the company in December 2009.

It is understood the hold-up relates to a Native title claim covering an area where Metgasco has leases.

The Northern Star asked the department to provide details of any Native title considerations relating to the application.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/y9uOVc</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7802</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Mel Mcmillan (Northern Star)]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Ipswich CSG sites ruled out by Arrow]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[ARROW Energy has ruled out CSG exploration in the Ipswich area despite holding exploration leases across the city.

The energy company owns mining leases from Forest Lake in the east to Toowoomba in the west and south to the border.

There are currently three wells in Swanbank and Springfield areas.

Drilled by Arrow in 2002 and 2003, and Conoco in 1996, two of the wells are abandoned and the third suspended.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/wY1Z1O</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7803</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Geoff Egan (Ipswich Queensland Times)]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[(Audio) Coal seam gas protesters face court]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[Five protestors charged over anti-coal seam gas protests last month appeared in the Beaudesert Magistrates Court this week.

Another 10 protestors will face court over the next month following a 10 day blockade at the Arrow Energy site near Beaudesert.

Tracey Larkin was first before the Magistrate.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/xcIs4x</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:50 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7800</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Steve Austin (612 ABC Brisbane)]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Red Sky Energy sees upside potential as New South Wales decision on Talma CSG pilot draws near]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[Red Sky Energy (ASX:ROG) has confirmed the strong upside potential in its Clarence Moreton Basin coal seam gas noting its share of contingent resources in PEL 457 stands at 188.7 petajoules.

At least part of this resource could be converted to reserves status once the company receives approval to drill the Talma pilot production well, which targets the highly prospective Kangaroo Creek, and carry out a long-term production test.

This will also add to the companys existing proved, probable and possible reserves of 114 petajoules, which currently ranks as the fifth largest amongst the non-major companies.

Red Sky ranks above Dart Energys (ASX: DTE) 102 petajoules and below Senex Energys (ASX: SXY) 249 petajoules reserves position.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/vZd66b</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7799</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Bevis Yeo (Proactive Investors)]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[AgForce CSG stance under fire]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Wide Bay-Burnett Conservation Council in southern Queensland has accused farm lobby group AgForce of sitting on the fence when it comes to coal seam gas (CSG) exploration.

AgForce held an information session this week in Tiaro, south-west of Maryborough, to prepare landholders for any future negotiations with resource companies. 

The councils Roger Currie says the group, which is lobbying for a CSG moratorium, should not be contradicting itself. 

"AgForce is a lobby group that is supposedly represents the interests landholders in Queensland," he said.

[In contrast to the above]

On behalf of its members AgForce seeks the following key commitments from the major parties: 

1. Protect agriculture from coal seam gas and mining developments

http://bit.ly/zAK1GP]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/x9Urwy</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:52 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7797</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Frances Adcock (ABC News)]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Mine came at too great a cost: mayor]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[Wybong residents have accepted a surprise apology from Muswellbrook Shire mayor Martin Rush for the councils support of the Mangoola Coal Mine.
Speaking to ABC Radio earlier this week, Cr Rush apologised to community members, who have complained about the detrimental effect the mine has had on the village, found west of Muswellbrook.

Speaking to the Chronicle yesterday, Cr Rush said the mine had come at "too great a cost" for the people of Wybong.

"The mine has caused a substantial fracturing of a close-knit rural community which has lost approximately half its population as a result of the mines development," Cr Rush said.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/y9O2S1</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7794</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[James Law (Muswellbrook Chronicle)]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Manning Alliance backs Oakeshott in coal seam gas mining fight]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[CHAIRMAN of the Manning Alliance, Peter Epov, has applauded member for Lyne, Robert Oakeshott for his initiative in calling for priority consideration by the federal government for an independent scientific study into the impact of coal seam gas mining on water in the Manning and Gloucester valleys. 


"This is a critical and a pivotal point in the fight to insulate the Manning Valley from coal seam gas mining," Mr Epov said yesterday.



"If Mr Oakeshott can deliver this, it can insulate the Manning and Gloucester valleys from the growing threat to its water supplies from coal seam gas activities."



The Alliance was formed last year to work with the community to prevent coal seam gas drilling in the Manning. It arranged the Blue Day rally to coincide with the local sittings of the NSW Upper House committee inquiry into coal seam gas mining, held at Club Taree.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/y0vf9E</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7796</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Manning River Times]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Locals meet for Whiporie csg seminar]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[SOME 30 people attended the Whiporie coal seam gas seminar hosted by the Clarence Valley Against Coal Seam Gas Mining group on Wednesday night.

Group spokesperson Katie Doyle said locals appreciated being informed about the potential dangers of CSG and their legal rights.

Companies such as Metgasco and Red Sky Mining have petroleum leases over large sections of the Clarence Valley and Red Sky intends to establish large scale gas wells and an energy station in the Whiporie area.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/wTb6ho</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7791</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Clarence Valley Daily Examiner]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Pells Consulting reports on Thirlmere Lakes]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[Report on the Water Levels of Thirlmere lakes, October 2011[14.8 MB]
This is the main text of the report.

Appendices to Thirlmere Lakes report[17.0 MB]
The appendices comprise the six progress reports that were issue during the period of the study. These appendices contain data that is used in the main report but is not all reproduced in the main text.

Addendum to the Thirlmere Lakes report issued in December 2011[2.37 MB]
A summary of additional work completed to that time.

Addendum 2 to the Thirlmere Lakes report issued 30 January 2012[5.64 MB]
This Addendum deals with gas extraction from the Bulli Seam at Tahmoor Colliery during to excavation of Longwalls 14A through to Longwall 21 in the period 1994 to 2004 and implications thereof to the hypotheses formulated in the report of October 2011.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/ApKLqB</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7798</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Pells Consulting]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Mine may be forced offset carbon emissions]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[New coal mines in NSW, or those seeking to expand operations, could be compelled to offset their greenhouse gas emissions if a landmark court case is successful.

In the first case of its kind, the NSW Land and Environment Court indicated last November that the expansion of an open cut coal mine near Mudgee may only be granted if it offsets its direct emissions.

The matter returns to court in Sydney on Friday.

If it expands, the Ulan Coal mine, a joint venture between Xstrata Coal and Mitsubishi Development, is expected to pump out approximately 575 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over its 20 year life span, according to a submission by the Environmental Defenders Office.

Principal Solicitor Kirsty Ruddock from the Environmental Defenders Office said the case could have wide-ranging ramifications for future coal and coal seam gas projects in the state.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/wmrUu7</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:24 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7789</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[AAP via Nine News]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Communicating the resources sector in 2012]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[The resource sector will certainly look back on 2011 as one of the most challenging years in recent policy history. It is accepted knowledge that the wealth of the mining industry has insulated the Australian economy from much of the effects of the global financial crisis.

For the mining industry, this means that its hard to be one of the most profitable sectors amid economic instability - and this ultimately means tax.

The standout campaign for 2011 was the Minerals Council of Australias, This is our Story, which has been well received. This positive outcome was largely the result of the campaigns sensible approach of not preaching to the audience but factually creating the narrative of how the industry is assisting communities.

It also sensibly understood that it needed credible third parties to talk about the industry. It is not what you say about you but what your friends do that is important.

There have also been some less-than-spectacular examples of industry campaigns this year that failed to resonate with either the community or policy makers - demonstrating that a good story still has to be told well, rather than just hoping that it speaks for itself.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/yRtobY</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7790</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[CPR]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[The fight to silence fracking opponents: Republicans order arrest of Gasland creator Josh Fox]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[Josh Fox is now prolific for his work to highlight the stories of Americans whove been affected by the rise of the unconventional gas industry and in particular the technique of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to stimulate gas flow. His 2010 documentary, Gasland, was a devastating blow to the industry. Fox is currently working on a sequel.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/ADykUx</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7795</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Kate Ausburn]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Mine growth sparks fears for koalas]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[Wildlife researchers say the growth of the mining industry could pose a challenge to central Queenslands koala populations.

A forum is underway in Rockhampton in central Queensland to discuss ways to ensure the survival of koalas.

Central Queensland Koala Research Centre coordinator Dr Alistair Melzer says populations in the region have been declining since the 1990s.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/wA9PPH</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7778</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Paul Robinson (ABC News)]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Land use hits stalemate]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[NSW FARMERS has questioned the motives of coal seam gas industry representatives in the crucial stakeholders group charged with bringing much anticipated mining and land use policy for the State into being.

Responding to reports the CSG industry peak body, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) would not accept farmland being quarantined from CSG exploration and development, NSW Farmers president Fiona Simson suggested if APPEA could not accept government policy it should walk away.

"All of the stakeholders are sitting around the table knowing what the government policy is and knowing there needs to be an upfront scientific assessment with the possibility of ruling out some land for mining and CSG because of its impact on water and agriculture," Ms Simson told The Land.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/y9l8ek</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7785</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Bronwyn Farr (The Land)]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Muswellbrook Council apology on mine]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[A HUNTER community "shattered" by a coal mine has received an apology from the council that wouldnt listen.
Muswellbrook mayor Martin Rush has apologised to Wybong residents for the councils support for Mangoola coal mine in 2007, and in 2004 when it was known as Anvil Hill.

"There is a great deal of shame that council supported that development and I apologise to the Wybong community and others that it did so over the objections of its own residents," Cr Rush said this week.

"Although the NSW government approved it, council supported it and for that, it is right for the council to apologise."

He said the mine had cost the Wybong community too much.

More than half Wybong valleys population, or more than 400 people, have left because of property buy-outs.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/Aq3Rll</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7786</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Joanne McCarthy (The Herald)]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Greens Candidate says Legislation Protecting Prime Agricultural Land from Mining Deeply Flawed!]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[Greens Candidate for Nanango Grant Newson is highly critical of the State Governments claim that the new Strategic Cropping Land Legislation which came into effect on the 30th of January would protect prime agricultural land in the South Burnett or Brisbane Valley.

Mr. Newson said the legislation was little more than a green light to mining companies and left most farmers on the South Burnett unprotected from the threat that CSG poses to the aquifers and water that our farms and communities rely.

Mr Newson said the legislation was deeply flawed.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/wKsZiB</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7787</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Woodford Newspaper]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[No mining]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[Despite the changes to the upcoming local and state elections, one message remains clear: Southern Downs residents do not want mining in the area without appropriate conditions.
As the Southern Downs Protection Group starts gaining real momentum, with signs advertising protection of our food and water from mining and gas extraction now out in the community, mining has become one of the main election issues.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/A0Ylko</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7788</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Rebecca Brown (Southern Free Times)]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Protester escapes conviction]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[A NORTHERN Rivers resident has escaped conviction for her part in a blockade against coal-seam gas in Queensland.

Wanda Halden, 33, of Larnook was charged with contravening a police order after refusing a move-on instruction from police at a protest at the Arrow Energy drilling site at Kerry, near Beaudesert.

Ms Halden represented herself at Beaudesert Magistrates Court yesterday.

She pleaded guilty and was fined $200 without conviction.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/ybMiB2</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7783</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[The Northern Star]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Greens target CSG, transport]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[PUBLIC transport and coal seam gas have been named as two key policy points by the Greens candidate to represent the Boonah region in State Parliament.

Andy Grodecki ran for the seat of Beaudesert in 2009, garnering 7% of votes in the traditionally conservative stronghold.

The seat was won by LNP candidate Aidan McLindon, who notably resigned to start his own party before joining Katters Australia Party.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/yceVeK</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7784</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Ipswich Queensland Times]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Orca Energy farms out stake in unconventional gas permit, gets free carry on upcoming well]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[The agreement gives it a free carry in respect of its remaining 20% stake in the drilling of an unconventional gas exploration well later this year. It also brings Senexs interest in PEL 115 up to 55%.

This well is expected to follow Senexs three planned unconventional wells in its 100% owned PEL 516 in the Cooper-Eromanga Basin, which has estimated in-place gas resources of over 100 trillion cubic feet and surrounds PEL 115.

The first of these wells, Sasanof-1, was spudded near the beginning of this year and each of three wells will be cored and logged in the Permian section before undergoing fracture stimulation and flow testing.

PEL 115 itself is believed to hold e unconventional gas potential in the form of coal seam gas, shale gas and tight gas sands.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/vZmfdX</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:00 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7771</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Proactive Investors]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Comments sought on Moolarben expansion]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[The NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure is inviting Mid-Western residents to make submissions on Moolarben Coal Mines Stage Two Project.
Stage Two involves a new open cut mine in Murragamba Valley and development of two underground mines on land west of and adjacent to the current operation.

The development proposes to relocate Ulan-Wollar, Carrs Gap and Murrgamba roads as well as a partial relocation of Murragamba Creek.



The Moolarben extension is said to increase mine life up to 28 years.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/xwGpNC</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:23 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7764</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Mudgee Guardian]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Green group still unhappy with mine plans]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[Anti-mining campaigners say revised plans for a major expansion of a mining project in central western New South Wales will still adversely impact the environment.

Yancoal has adjusted its development application for the second stage of its $120 million expansion of the Moolarben Coal Project in the Mudgee district, after it received more than 170 submissions.

It still wants to build an open-cut and two underground mines but will move and reduce the emplacement areas and relocate its infrastructure.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/wp3Trl</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:15 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7763</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[Joanna Woodburn (ABC Rural)]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Xstrata defends Mangoola mine]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[Xstrata has hit back at comments by Muswellbrook Mayor Martin Rush regarding the Mangoola Coal Mine near Denman.

Councillor Rush has apologised to Wybong residents whove been complaining of constant dust and noise issues at the mine.

He says the previous council should never have supported the mine.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/wnrroS</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:14 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7762</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[ABC]]></author>
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			<title><![CDATA[Government rules out CSG mining in national park]]></title>
			<description><![CDATA[The State Government has given assurances that a National Park south-west of Muswellbrook will be off limits to coal seam gas exploration, ensuring one of the worlds rarest plants is protected.

The company Leichhardt Resources has an exploration licence in partnership with Planet Gas for land which includes vast areas of the Wollemi National Park. 

The park is home to one of the worlds oldest and rarest trees - the Wollemi Pine.]]></description>
			<link>http://bit.ly/x2hCux</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:07 +1000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://wollombi.nsw.au/news/display/7769</guid>
			<author><![CDATA[ABC Newcastle]]></author>
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