A very big thank you also to the many people who put in a good deal of their own time to collect these 3000+ signatures. Well done!

It is worth noting that almost without exception everyone shown the petition was extremely keen to sign up.

The Blue Mountains community clearly does not want CSG exploration or production coming to any street, town, national park, or water catchment of this great natural area.

The petition was presented to Mrs Sage on Monday 3rd December 2012. At the time of petition handover, Mrs Sage was not prepared to make any comment on it for the record.

However, after a request from the Blue Mountains Gazette to clarify her position, Mrs Sage said she would "never support any CSG exploration or extraction here in the Blue Mountains due to its unique status as a World Heritage National Park" (BM Gazette 12/12/2012).

This is a small, but very welcome, first step from our local member. But, it is important to recognise that saying you will "never support" something is very different indeed to saying that you will "actively oppose" it; and it is action on CSG that we need from our local member.

We sincerely hope Mrs Sage now converts her words into action, and takes decisive steps to protect not only our Blue Mountains electorate but also the encompassing Greater Blue Mountains area.

Over the coming months the Conservation Society will keep you informed of Mrs Sage's actions (or lack there of) in relation to CSG and the Blue Mountains.

Left to Right: Jan O'Leary from Stop CSG Blue Mountains, Lachlan Garland President Blue Mountains Conservation Society, and Dr Brian Marshall retired Professor of Geology and the Society's National Parks and World Heritage Officer.
Note: Mrs Sage was invited to be part of the photograph but declined the offer.