Drakensberg region under fracking threat

02 Dec 2011 05:41 - 02 Dec 2011 05:42 #5080 by intrepid

Replied by intrepid on topic Re: Drakensberg region under fracking threat

A group of concerned individuals and organisations are, under the banner of Wildlands Trust, presenting a series of information-sharing talks this coming weekend. The schedules are:

- Nottingham Road Hotel: 3 December at 12h00

- Cowan House School, Hilton: 3 December at 18h00

- Wildlands Oasis, Durban: 5 December at 18h00

The talks are presented by Jonathan Deal, the Chairman of the Treasure Karoo Action Group and an authority on the environmental implications of fracking.

Contact Bruce Houghting (082 402 5654) for further information.

In anyone from this forum is able to attend one of the talks it would be great! Please bring back as much info as possible in any form.

Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.

Last edit: 02 Dec 2011 05:42 by intrepid.

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02 Dec 2011 14:56 #5089 by ghaznavid

Replied by ghaznavid on topic Re: Drakensberg region under fracking threat

Ah, thats such unfortunate timing. I'm on board course (aka bored course) in Jo'burg and won't be back before that. This trip to Jo'burg has now cost me 2 cricket matches (I normally only get 1 a year) and now this also, oh well...

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08 Dec 2011 10:33 #5134 by intrepid

Replied by intrepid on topic Re: Drakensberg region under fracking threat

Sterkhorn was able to attend one of the talks and sent me some of the material. I'll figure out how to best present some of the stuff on this site, but I've attached a pamphlet for starters.

The presenter was of the opinion that if fracking is not stopped in the Karoo it will set the precedent for the rest of the country and could allow operations up too 500m from the Drakensberg Park boundary. They are preparing for a possible challenge in the Constitutional Court if the government cannot be dissuaded from allowing exploration. News is that Sasol has apparently pulled out of the explorations.

Check out the Treasure Karoo Action Group website:
www.treasurethekaroo.co.za/
Along with all the info they also have an online petition going, which everyone is encouraged to sign.

Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.

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The following user(s) said Thank You: ghaznavid, Smurfatefrog

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08 Dec 2011 14:28 #5136 by ghaznavid

Replied by ghaznavid on topic Re: Drakensberg region under fracking threat

I can't find the online petition on their website, where do I find it? I'm sure I can get 20 or so people to sign it.

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08 Dec 2011 16:37 #5137 by Sterkhorn

Replied by Sterkhorn on topic Re: Drakensberg region under fracking threat

@ghaznavid: Under "get involved...petitions...View petition here>>". It takes you to a Care2 Petitionsite.

Attached is an article from the Maritzburg Sun, courtesy of Caitlin Canton. It gives a good idea as to the message Jonathan Deal and Treasure Karoo Action Group is trying to spread. They are asking for all support possible, whether via petition, financial, etc.

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09 Dec 2011 15:31 - 11 Dec 2011 17:22 #5143 by Boerkie

Replied by Boerkie on topic Re: Drakensberg region under fracking threat

Environmental legislation is SA is a joke at best!! The biggest perpetrators is the state self. just have a look a municipal waste water treatment facilities if there is such a thing. The acid mine water thread is not being attended to in a urgent and decisive manner. The very connected (family of Zuma & Mandela) is to blame for the crises but no action has been taken against these directors although directors could be personally held responsible for such transgressions. COP17 was another R250mil white elephant! Bunch of childish politicians daring each other to go first.....I'll go if you go :angry:

What are we to do? Not filling up at Shell is a beginning but just a grain of sand on a beach. Unless legislation is enforced and all transgressors brought to book no matter the family ties, political connections or financial gain to be had, the future of our Berg and existence as a whole is hanging by a skimpy fragile tread.

As far as I know online petitions are not valid or at least wont carry much weight, but don't let that stop you.

Last edit: 11 Dec 2011 17:22 by intrepid. Reason: removed inappropriate content

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12 Dec 2011 09:22 #5146 by intrepid

Replied by intrepid on topic Re: Drakensberg region under fracking threat

It is true that online petitions may not always go far, but it is still a public voice which we can use, and at least lets people vent. The two things we have on our side are sheer numbers and the social media. We can spread a lot of awareness and public pressure this way. No matter how bleak it may appear we have to fight these issues through. I've been encouraged lately by various organisations and individuals taking a stand against various issues...there are success stories. We will see how best to support the TKAG in fighting this. In the mean time about those Shell petrol stations....

Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.

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14 Dec 2011 15:23 #5157 by Boerkie

Replied by Boerkie on topic Re: Drakensberg region under fracking threat

I had site meetings with senior Shell people today and brought up the Fracking topic. Their words to me was that the fracking in the Karoo will go ahead.

:angry:

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26 Dec 2011 23:42 #5176 by intrepid

Replied by intrepid on topic Re: Drakensberg region under fracking threat

New article on fracking in The Witness. It highlights everything we've been saying.

Why should people in KwaZulu- Natal care about what’s happening in the Karoo?

Elstob says because the Karoo is all South Africans’ heritage. “The issue of exploratory fracking is very serious. They don’t know what’s under there. The Karoo is 250 million years old. It’s an ancient sea bed. The Karoo harbours shale gas, but in the area around the Drakensberg, there could be coal-seam gas, which is found at a much shallower depth, and therefore a greater chance of pollution. Shale gas is found four to six kilometres down.” What Elstob and others are trying to sensitise people about, is that if the go-ahead is given to frack the Karoo, it will only be a matter of time before the Drakensberg, a world heritage site, and other parts of the country are also plundered.

Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.

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