A whiff of doubt about gas industry

Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday 6/11/2010 Page: 28

Belinda Robinson of the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association spreads dangerous misinformation ("Gas is the way to go, if only we could", November 5).

She cites the conservative front group Australian Environment Foundation pointing to public opposition to Victorian wind farms because of "high energy cost, health fears and their paltry contribution to greenhouse emission reductions". Each assertion has been conclusively demolished many times over. Readers can check wind farm emission reductions on the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water website.

Robinson's arguments are laughable. She says, "One of the country's most promising geothermal projects near Geelong, which received $12 million in state and federal government support, has faced local opposition". If this is her only criticism, it raises questions about the writer's bona fides.

Winston Guynner, Alstonville


Belinda Robinson indulges in confused advocacy. She parades the claimed greenhouse gas benefits of gas, then quotes the climate change sceptical Australian Environment Foundation questioning the value of wind power.

The gas industry should come clean on its threats to the environment land disturbance and water pollution and stop claiming an unmitigated right to expand into key natural and agricultural areas. It's a finite transition fuel to a greener, cleaner future, not the destination.

Jeff Angel, Executive director, Total Environment Centre, Sydney