Armidale Action on Coal Seam Gas and Mining (AACSGaM), an action group of Sustainable Living Armidale (SLA), will be shining the spotlight on mining with two events over two consecutive days, Thursday, 5 March, and Friday, 6 March.

The first event is the monthly SLA forum with the screening of the explosive documentary “Frackman” on 5 March at 6:30pm at the Belgrave Cinema. This is part of the film’s exclusive preview tour through regional NSW.

The public meeting “Protecting the Future”, at 7pm the following evening, Friday, 6 March, at the Armidale Bowling Club, will provide the local community with information about mining closer to home.

“Frackman” tells the story of accidental activist Dayne Pratzky and his struggle against the expansion of international gas companies in Queensland’s Darling Downs.

Dayne embarks on a journey that transforms him from conservative pig-shooter to sophisticated global activist as the ‘Frackman’.

He meets the people drawn into a battle that is crossing the ideological divide, bringing together a peculiar alliance of farmers, conservation activists and political conservatives.

Producer Simon Nasht said “Coal Seam Gas is a major issue in the coming NSW election, and we expect the film to provoke an important debate and put all parties on notice that they dare not ignore this crisis.”

Lock the Gate spokesperson Phil Laird pointed out that Dayne’s story reveals the harsh reality that many NSW landowners face and the fight they have to win to keep their land and water safe from coal seam gas.

“All across the state we have seen farmers, Traditional Owners, sporting and religious communities uniting together to stand up for their land against the CSG industry and this film gives voice to their struggle,” Phil said.

AACSGaM has been part of that struggle since its formation in 2011.

At the Friday public meeting, “Protecting the Future”, the group wants to inform the local community about coal seam gas mining in NSW and exploration for gold and other minerals around Armidale.

Speakers are Jess Moore, founding member and spokesperson of Stop CSG Illawarra, David Hare-Scott, Vice President Groundswell Gloucester, and Michael Forrester, Armidale Action on Coal Seam Gas and Mining.

In 2011 Jess received the Rising Star award of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW for being the most outstanding campaigner under the age of 30.

“I am looking forward to her overview of coal seam gas mining in NSW. She will also provide insights into the strength of the Stop CSG Illawarra campaign,” said Bea Bleile, one of the organisers.

“David Hare-Scott will outline the struggle to protect Gloucester from AGL’s coal seam gas project.

“The final presentation by Michael Forrester will shine the spotlight on exploration for gold, silver, antimony and other resources in our own back yards.”

All are invited to join AACSGaM for the two events, “Frackman”, at 6:30pm on Thursday, 5 March, at the Belgrave Cinema (normal cinema prices will apply) and “Protecting the Future” at 7pm on Friday, 6 March, at the Armidale Bowling Club, where entry is free – donations to cover costs and support the campaign to protect our land, our water and our future will be greatly appreciated.

For more information contact Bea Bleile on {mobile prefix oh four}58 752 680.