OUR FUTURE
In Gloucester our natural advantage has been the excellent rainfall and clean water that have shaped flourishing agricultural and tourism industries. Our future lies in growing these industries into sustainable development opportunities that will last generations.
In Gloucester our natural advantage has been the excellent rainfall and clean water that have shaped flourishing agricultural and tourism industries. Our future lies in growing these industries into sustainable development opportunities that will last generations.
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Enter the name for this tabbed section: Our Future
Proposed mining in the Gloucester Valley offers very little to the local economy, despite the claims made by the coal and gas companies. Not only will profits largely go overseas, there are few jobs for locals likely to be created. AGL’s coal seam gas project for example, would provide just 11 local jobs.
The coal and gas mining proposed for Gloucester would damage our existing industries and the vital resources - land and water - that have sustained our region for generations and promise to do so for generations to come.
The coal and gas mining proposed for Gloucester would damage our existing industries and the vital resources - land and water - that have sustained our region for generations and promise to do so for generations to come.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Water
The Gloucester Valley is truly a valley of rivers. It is the meeting place for the rivers of the Port Stephens and Manning Catchments.
Coal mining and coal seam gas extraction threatens the precious water systems that the valley and downstream users rely on.
The Manning Catchment alone provides drinking water for more than 20 000 homes and businesses.
Here in the Gloucester Valley, the Avon, Gloucester, Mammy Johnsons and Karuah Rivers are the water source for a long-established agricultural industry.
The Karuah runs to the beautiful bay of Port Stephens where a thriving tourism industry includes whale watching and ocean diving. There is also a thriving oyster industry.
And downstream on the Manning River, this same water that runs through Gloucester, supports a 140 year old oyster farming industry worth over $1 million annually.
Coal mining and coal seam gas extraction threatens the precious water systems that the valley and downstream users rely on.
The Manning Catchment alone provides drinking water for more than 20 000 homes and businesses.
Here in the Gloucester Valley, the Avon, Gloucester, Mammy Johnsons and Karuah Rivers are the water source for a long-established agricultural industry.
The Karuah runs to the beautiful bay of Port Stephens where a thriving tourism industry includes whale watching and ocean diving. There is also a thriving oyster industry.
And downstream on the Manning River, this same water that runs through Gloucester, supports a 140 year old oyster farming industry worth over $1 million annually.
It is simply a matter of physics, not of opinion, that this depressurisation from CSG mining will adversely affect the whole groundwater system."
Dr Philip Pells, independent hydrologist.
Earthworks, pipelines and haulroads will divert the natural drainage patterns of the land, causing more soil to wash into rivers and creeks and increase the salinity of the water.
The Rocky Hill mine is proposed to be built on the floodplain where there is a high risk of contamination in flood times.
Coal seam gas is no safer or cleaner. The geology of the Gloucester valley is complex and not well understood. Water experts have described coal seam gas in the valley as highly risky for sensitive aquifers where water loss and contamination is possible.
The community knows that water is a vital resource and we value the incredible benefit it brings to our region. We will work to safeguard our rivers and aquifers from the impact of coal and gas mining.
The Rocky Hill mine is proposed to be built on the floodplain where there is a high risk of contamination in flood times.
Coal seam gas is no safer or cleaner. The geology of the Gloucester valley is complex and not well understood. Water experts have described coal seam gas in the valley as highly risky for sensitive aquifers where water loss and contamination is possible.
The community knows that water is a vital resource and we value the incredible benefit it brings to our region. We will work to safeguard our rivers and aquifers from the impact of coal and gas mining.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Agriculture
Agriculture has been the beating heart of the local economy for generations. The region is favoured with good rainfall, clean air and generations of farming knowledge.
Today, Gloucester is well positioned to improve its regional agricultural economy with the growth of local horticultural enterprises.
Today, Gloucester is well positioned to improve its regional agricultural economy with the growth of local horticultural enterprises.
The Gloucester Project is a local initiative which celebrates the farming tradition in Gloucester and aims to grow the potential for local horticultural development. The Gloucester Project operates a demonstration farm where sustainable farming practices are researched and modelled. The project also grows chemical-free produce which is sold at the farm gate and the local farmers market.
The Gloucester Farmers Market is held on the second Saturday of each month in Billabong Park. A wide variety of produce from local and regional growers is available.
Agriculture has underpinned Gloucester for generations. If we look after the land and water it is an industry that will be part of a healthy, sustainable economic future for the region.
The Gloucester Farmers Market is held on the second Saturday of each month in Billabong Park. A wide variety of produce from local and regional growers is available.
Agriculture has underpinned Gloucester for generations. If we look after the land and water it is an industry that will be part of a healthy, sustainable economic future for the region.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Tourism
Gloucester is the gateway to the World Heritage listed Barrington Tops
Our tourism industry is about the friendliness of the locals, our vibrant main street, the stunning local landscape and the fresh produce of local food producers. Everyone plays an invaluable part in the growth of the local tourism industry, which ensures sustainable long-term employment for our shire and region.
Congratulations to all those business who make people feel welcome, entertained, nourished and encouraged to return to our special part of the world.
Congratulations to all those business who make people feel welcome, entertained, nourished and encouraged to return to our special part of the world.
The beautiful Gloucester is a favourite spot for many thousands of visitors yearly, and is rightly called a ‘significant heritage landscape’ by the National Trust. Destination NSW states that overnight tourism is now worth more than $30 million to Gloucester each year.
Gloucester’s tourism is based on the Valley’s scenic beauty, small-town atmosphere and agricultural heritage. Any development or activity that threatens these also threatens our tourism businesses.
The value of tourism for the Gloucester Valley is not only in the 220+ jobs it provides, but also in how it celebrates the region’s heritage and supports other key industries like agriculture and hospitality.
Gloucester’s tourism is based on the Valley’s scenic beauty, small-town atmosphere and agricultural heritage. Any development or activity that threatens these also threatens our tourism businesses.
The value of tourism for the Gloucester Valley is not only in the 220+ jobs it provides, but also in how it celebrates the region’s heritage and supports other key industries like agriculture and hospitality.
