Pilliga Rising film explores impacts of CSG
A NEW documentary about the plight of the Pilliga area is aimed at raising awareness of a major issue affecting the local community.
Described as providing heart-warming insight, Pilliga Rising examines community resistance of Coal Seam Gas (CSG) exploration across North West NSW and the tremendous strain felt by residents as a result.
Dubbo’s Sally Forsstrom is the convenor of Gas Field Free for the Dubbo region and is supportive of the upcoming screening which was produced by the Wilderness Society.
“The impact of coal and Coal Seam Gas on lives and livelihoods is facing a danger that’s outside their control. And it wears them down every day.
“I’d really like people to become more aware of it and the human impact it has on those affected by CSG.”
Ms Forsstrom explained that a number of films have already been made about Coal Seam Gas. Last year, the focus was on documenting the environmental impacts, particularly the effect on water quality.
“It was very technical,” she explains, adding that Pilliga Rising reflects on the human impact of the proposed exploration.
A difficult aspect of the CSG project is the length of time endured by residents.
“It was 2012 when Eastern Star indicated its interest in the area for exploration purposes, they have been living with the threat since then,” Ms Forsstrom said.
Among the residents affected by CSG are landholders in the area and its traditional inhabitants.
“One of the residents Tony Pickard is very concerned about the water because CSG drilling goes into the groundwater supply. It will have a devastating effect.
“The Pilliga also has a lot of traditional associations for the Gamilaraay (Kamilaroi) people.
“It has a very personal aspect for many people.”
Citing the recent landmark decision made in the NSW Land and Environment Court to overturn the application for a new open cut coal mine in the Hunter region, Ms Forsstrom said it was an example of community impact on large-scale projects.
“The Rocky Hill Coal Mine near Gloucester was an example of the impact of coal mining on climate change. They were jubilant (with the outcome) because of the threat it had on their lives.
“I hope that through this film, that people will see the direct impact of people living in the affected area. It gives people a lot to think about and we want them to be invigorated by it.”
Pilliga Rising is the story of the Pilliga Forest told by the people rising to defend it. Four people in the sacrificial zone of the proposed CSG project speak about its impact on their lives.
Screening will take place at Wesley Hall, Dubbo from 6.15pm on Thursday, February 28. Entry is free. For a preview, visit wilderness.nationbuilder.com/ pilliga_rising_dubbo