COUNCIL APPROVES PLAN FOR BIG CSG-FREE RALLY
The mass rally and ‘Rock the Gate’ concert planned by ‘CSG Free Lismore’, a newly formed Lismore group, on Saturday May 12th at Riverside Park Lismore, has been given the nod by council officials, media spokesperson for CSG Free Lismore, John McPherson, has announced. “The local government piece in the puzzle came through from the Lismore Council on Friday’ he said.
“Over 20 anti CSG organisations from across the northern quarter of the state have already confirmed that they will be attending, including those from the Tweed in the north, Grafton and Coffs Harbour in the south, plus Drake and Tenterfield in the west. A similar rally in Sydney on May 1 is being supported by the Farmers Federation and the CWA.” McPherson said.
Reflecting on the strong community opposition to the unconventional gas mining industry, McPherson noted “The whole-of-community support for the Lock the Gate/CSG Free movement is quite astonishing, with farmers, office workers, academics and social reformers all standing side by side on this issue.”
A full line up of musicians, spread over two stages, will be headlined by Dubmarine, OKA and the Round Mountain Girls, and many more, have given their time for free in solidarity with the anti CSG movement concert, titled ‘Rock the Gate’. Speakers include Drew Hutton from Lock the Gate, Marion Lloyd Smith from the National Toxic Network, Jeremy Buckingham, and Rob Quirk from the Tweed Cane Growers Association.
There will also be food vans, information stalls about CSG, representatives from anti gas groups, renewable energy options and sustainable practice, and petition gathering, plus children’s events, such as face painting, jumping castle and circus activities.
Rally organiser Elly Bird, reflecting on how the support for the rally has grown, as has the organisational needs, wryly commented this week that “… what started as a rally with a few musicians has quickly evolved into a mini Woodford.”
“The support for this event from local business and local community is humbling and inspiring, everyone wants to help.” she added.
Organisers are anticipating that the rally could attract up to 5,000 people, making it one of the biggest public demonstrations in Northern Rivers history.
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Media contact John McPherson 6621 6965
0447 458 102