Apex exec to address community forum
APEX Energy’s chief operating officer Chris Rogers (above) will front a panel of experts on coal seam gas mining at the Thirroul Library and Community Centre on Sunday, August 21.
It is one of the first times the Apex executive has addressed a public forum as he prefers to deal with residents and community groups privately.
Mr Rogers, a former miner, was general manager of a large mining services and underground directional drilling company prior to joining Apex Energy NL in July 2008.
He and corporate development manager Chris Lawrence have been at the forefront of discussions with Darkes Forest residents to negotiate access to their properties for exploration wells.
Apex has licenses for 15 exploration wells in the Northern Illawarra and is waiting for approval on a sixteenth.
The Stop CSG Alliance has organised next Sunday’s forum to “review the truths, myths and lies associated with CSG mining”.
Other members of the panel are Kirsty Ruddock, Principal Solicitor of the NSW Environmental Defender’s Office, and former Caltex Executive Director Alan Lindsay.
The speakers will cover topics including water supply contamination, fire hazards, the fracking process, health impacts, CSG and global warming, community benefits and recent government legislation.
Alliance spokesperson Jess Moore, who recently nominated as a Community Voice candidate for next month’s local government elections, said the forum was “a unique opportunity” to hear information about one of the most important social and environmental issues for decades.
“A panel of experts representing both sides of the debate will present the case for and against,” she said.
The forum will be held from 11am to 1pm. Places are limited and must be reserved. Email forum@stop-csg-illawarra.org or call Kate on 0415 485 915.
