Hundreds of people campaigning against coal seam gas (CSG) mining delivered a petition, signed by more than 13,000 people, to NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell on August 21.
The NSW-wide petition, initiated by Stop CSG Illawarra, calls on the government to: "Ban all coal seam gas prospecting and mining in New South Wales drinking water catchment areas".
Stop CSG Illawarra spokesperson Jess Moore said at the rally: "We want the land in NSW that supplies our drinking water protected.
"CSG exploration and mining always involves unearthing water that is high in salt and methane, and can contain toxic and radioactive compounds and heavy metals. It involves methane leaks and industrial development that's incompatible with our drinking water catchments.
"The premier pledged that any petition with over 10,000 signatures will trigger a debate in parliament.
"Stop CSG campaigners across the state have presented more than 13,000 signatures. This demonstrates community opposition.
"The spotlight must shine on this debate as communities remind the government who they work for.”
Before the last state election, O'Farrell promised a ban. He said: "The next Liberal/National government will ensure that mining cannot occur … in any water catchment area, and will ensure that mining leases and mining exploration permits reflect that common sense; no ifs, no buts, a guarantee."
Moore said: "The premier has not kept this promise. CSG licences have been renewed and wells approved in drinking water catchments under the current government.
"The legislation must change, and our communities will fight until it does."