MIXED REACTIONS AFTER AGL WITHDRAWS FROM GLOUCESTER

While many anti-CSG activists are still celebrating in Gloucester, the State Member for Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen, says AGL’s decision to abandon a proposed coal seam gas mine in the valley could have serious impacts on the local economy.

“Confidence plays a major role in how a town operates in terms of it’s economic activity if people aren’t confident about what the future holds in terms of job prospects they tend to hold back,” Mr Johnsen said.

The mining giant will now begin rehabilitation works on the pilot wells at the Waukivory site.

The withdrawal is expected to take 12 months.

(AUDIO IN PARTS)