Suggested caption Frack Free Tas members and supporters
Community members gathered for a vigil on Parliament Lawns last night to commemorate the legacy of Queensland cotton farmer George Bender, pay respects to his family and community, and continue his work protecting communities against the threat of the CSG and Shale Gas industry.
The Hobart event was one of 15 vigils held concurrently across Australia as the community opposes the unconventional gas industry in George Bender’s memory.
“We were shocked to hear George Bender had taken his own life last week. The impacts of living in industrial gasfields are taking a huge and devastating toll on rural communities and farming families across Australia”, said Brett Hall, Farmer and Frack Free Tas spokesperson.
“George did so much to protect his farm, the Western Downs and its farmers from CSG, it is now that we must continue his fight for the rights of all landholders to say ‘no’ to mining.”
“Many farmers feel isolated and alone against mining companies and are suffering severe stress as a result. Our political leaders must do more to protect people from this industry. In Tasmania, the best way to protect our farmers and rural communities is for the State Government to put a permanent legislated ban on the unconventional gas industry.”
“In February this year, Narelle Nothdurft from the same area as George came to Tasmania to meet with members of Parliament in a bid to raise their awareness of the dangers unconventional gas industry. Frack Free Tas members also visited Hopeland and Chinchilla earlier this year, met with many community members and saw first hand the devastation caused by the industrialisation of rural communities.”
“We want the State Government to ensure this never happens to any Tasmanian community”, concluded Brett Hall.
Drew Hutton, spokesperson for Lock the Gate Alliance, said that George Bender had shown extraordinary courage in his bid to defend his community at Hopeland from CSG, and that the Qld Government had failed to protect him from the worst excesses of CSG companies.
“We’re holding these national vigils to honour George and to say ‘never again’,” he said.
“Never again should CSG companies be allowed to coerce and intimidate farmers and to drag them through the courts.”
“Never again should communities be left with nowhere to turn when their dealings with gas companies become unbearable.”
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Brett Hall, Frack Free Tas
